Islamic State turns Cabo Delgado into a terrorist hotbed after seven years of violence

In Mozambique, northern Cabo Delgado Province has been ravaged by Islamic State militants since October 2017, when the insurgency began with an armed attack on a police station in Mocimboa da Praia. This conflict has led to the deaths of nearly 6,000 people and displaced up to half of the province's 2.3 million residents. The insurgents have exploited local grievances, claiming the government neglects their needs while the region is rich in natural resources, thereby attracting new recruits to their cause. The situation escalated dramatically in March 2020 when militants gathered villagers in Mocimboa da Praia, threatening them against cooperating with the government, promising brutal retaliation if they did. This method of instilling fear, along with a series of violent assaults, caused mass panic and forced thousands to flee their homes for safety. Many families have experienced irreparable loss, including the tragic case of Sanula Issa, who lost her brother and sister during an insurgent attack and saw her life disrupted dramatically. As a result of the ongoing violence, thousands of displaced individuals have sought refuge in Pemba, overwhelming the city's existing infrastructure, which was designed for a population of around 200,000. Recent estimates indicate that over 80,000 internally displaced persons are now living in makeshift conditions, struggling to survive in their new environment. This influx has posed significant humanitarian challenges, with limited access to basic needs like food, water, and healthcare. The government claims to have stabilized the region, but affected residents tell a different story, highlighting the need for a more accurate portrayal of the situation. The impact of the insurgency has extended beyond immediate violence, leaving behind deep psychological scars among the survivors. Victims of the conflict, including children, have recounted horrifying experiences such as kidnappings and sexual assaults. More disturbing is the narrative that many of these children now harbor aspirations to rebuild their lives, stating their wishes to help their communities in the future. Without comprehensive support and recognition of their plight, the potential for lasting stability in Cabo Delgado remains severely compromised.