Cabo Delgado, Mozambique – Islamist militants have escalated attacks in Mozambique's northern Cabo Delgado province, leading to severe persecution of Christian communities, widespread displacement, and significant loss of life. The ongoing insurgency, which began in 2017, has seen a recent intensification of violence, drawing renewed international attention to the humanitarian crisis. A recent social media post by Visegrád 24 highlighted the gravity of the situation, stating, "There is a silent but very real genocide of Christians in Mozambique."
According to the tweet, Islamist groups are actively "hunting Christians down, beheading them, burning their churches and destroying their homes." Reports from various organizations corroborate the targeted nature of these attacks, with instances of militants separating individuals by religion and executing Christians. The "Kill Them Wherever You Find Them" campaign, launched in early 2024 by groups affiliated with the Islamic State Mozambique Province (ISMP), underscores the specific threat faced by Christian populations.
The conflict in Cabo Delgado is rooted in a complex interplay of factors, including long-standing socio-economic grievances, high youth unemployment, and the perceived marginalization of local populations amidst significant natural gas discoveries. While the insurgency initially targeted government and military structures, the extremist ideology of groups like Ansar al-Sunna (locally known as al-Shabab) has increasingly led to sectarian violence. These groups exploit local frustrations, promising an "antidote" to what they describe as corrupt, elitist rule.
The humanitarian toll of the insurgency has been devastating, with over 4,000 lives lost and an estimated one million people displaced from their homes. Many have fled to overcrowded cities, exacerbating existing humanitarian challenges. The violence has also disrupted essential services, with schools closed and communities left without access to basic necessities.
Despite efforts by Mozambican defense forces, Rwandan troops, and the Southern African Development Community Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM), the insurgency has proved resilient. SAMIM began withdrawing its forces in late 2024, leading to a resurgence of attacks, including a major assault on Macomia town in May 2024. Rwanda has since committed to deploying additional soldiers to help combat the escalating violence.
While the Visegrád 24 tweet claimed the media was "completely silent about this tragedy," numerous international and religious organizations, as well as news outlets, have extensively reported on the crisis in Cabo Delgado. Organizations like Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), Open Doors, and Human Rights Watch, alongside major news agencies, have consistently documented the violence, displacement, and specific targeting of Christian communities, ensuring the plight of those affected does not remain unheard.