Armed Attacks in Northern Mozambique: Thousands of Children Displaced, Many Unaccompanied
By Eleutério Fenita - Advocacy and External Engagement Director
World Vision is calling for urgent psychosocial assistance to be prioritised in humanitarian interventions for people displaced by the recent attacks in Memba district, Nampula province, northern Mozambique.
Children make up 66% of the more than 50,000 displaced people, according to local authorities. A significant number have been separated from their families, heightening the need for child protection and family-tracing support.
During a visit to one of the temporary accommodation sites, World Vision staff witnessed the emotional toll on children who fled the violence.
“I spoke to children who do not know where their parents are. Everything happened so fast that all they could do was run for their lives,” reported Antonio Massipa, World Vision’s Communications and Advocacy Coordinator, after returning from Alua, where thousands are sheltering.
World Vision is engaging stakeholders, government, community leaders, and protection actors on how existing community-based structures can support family reunification efforts and provide safe spaces for children in distress.
“One thing the children had in common was how scared they were. They are frightened and visibly traumatised,” Antonio added.
With thousands of families uprooted and children facing acute psychological and emotional distress, World Vision urges the humanitarian community to accelerate:
- Psychosocial first aid and ongoing emotional support
- Family-tracing and reunification efforts
- Child-friendly spaces to help restore safety and normalcy
- Protection services for unaccompanied and separated children
Immediate, coordinated action is essential to safeguard children’s wellbeing and restore hope amid crisis.