The United Nations has called for immediate negotiations to bring an end to the ongoing conflict in Mozambique’s northern Cabo Delgado province, where a violent insurgency linked to the Islamic State group has caused widespread devastation. According to a report by UN Special Rapporteur Ben Saul, the military campaign against the militants has yet to achieve a decisive breakthrough, with the situation remaining volatile and the civilian toll mounting. The report, based on a visit to Mozambique from August 4 to 14, highlights the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to address the crisis before further bloodshed occurs. The conflict in Cabo Delgado began in 2017 and has intensified in recent years, with attacks on both civilians and security personnel becoming more frequent and deadly. Insurgent groups, believed to be affiliated with the Islamic State, have carried out numerous atrocities, including beheadings and other brutal acts, leading to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people. The report notes that the number of casualties has risen significantly, with 6,632 lives lost since 2017, including 2,772 civilians. Over 1.5 million individuals have been forced from their homes, and approximately 1.7 million require humanitarian aid, underscoring the immense human cost of the conflict. Cabo Delgado is also home to vast reserves of natural gas, which have drawn the interest of major international energy companies such as TotalEnergies, ENI, and ExxonMobil. These resources have become a focal point for economic activity, but they have also made the region a target for militant groups seeking to exploit the instability. In response, Rwanda has sent troops to assist Mozambique’s national army in combating the insurgency, as part of a broader regional effort supported by the European Union. However, the UN report suggests that the current strategy, described as “offensive defence”, has limited effectiveness, allowing the insurgents to regroup and continue their operations. Despite these challenges, the Mozambican government and its allies remain committed to stabilizing the region. The deployment of Rwandan forces since 2021 has played a key role in bolstering local security, though the report warns that the approach must evolve to prevent the insurgents from gaining strength. The UN experts emphasize that while the current measures have reduced direct confrontations, they fail to address the root causes of the conflict, such as poverty, lack of governance, and marginalization of local communities. The humanitarian impact of the war has been severe, with many families separated and entire villages abandoned due to repeated attacks. Displacement centers, such as one in Beira, have become temporary shelters for survivors, often lacking basic necessities. The report cites data from Acled, an organization that tracks conflict-related incidents, to illustrate the scale of the crisis. The loss of land, livelihoods, and infrastructure has left many communities in ruins, with long-term consequences for recovery and development. As the situation continues to deteriorate, the call for negotiations reflects a growing recognition that military force alone will not resolve the conflict. The UN’s appeal comes amid increasing pressure from international actors and civil society organizations advocating for a political solution. While the exact terms of any potential talks remain unclear, the urgency of the situation demands swift action to protect the lives of civilians and restore stability to the region. The coming months will likely see heightened diplomatic engagement, with the hope that dialogue can pave the way for lasting peace.
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