A Rise in Kidnappings in Cabo Delgado
Human Rights Watch says that at least 120 kids were just taken in the northern part of Mozambique, Cabo Delgado province, by a Muslim rebel group joining with the Islamic State; they are called al‑Shabab locally. The taking of children is part of a growing wave of hits that have scared human rights groups and helping f͏irms.
Children Forced into Roles: Labor, Combat, Marriage
According to HRW:
- In this situation, children are forced to work. For example, they may have to carry the booty from a raid.
- Some children are recruited for combat. The boys who are armed are not very old; thirteen years is the youngest that has been witnessed.
- The girls get forced into early marriage or otherwise get brutally exploited. This problem continued existing in that area.
Some people get forced into marriage and used, showing old problems told in the place.
Insurgency Gets Worse Even With Regional Help
Since the insurgency start in 2017, government troops having help from Rwanda, South Africa plus SADC have trouble getting back control. Even though of some wins there has been lately more violent acts including taking of people and attacks on schools..
Displacement, Hunger, and Neglect
- It has displaced over 600,000 people; estimates run as high as 850,000 by August 2024 24newshd.tv+4apnews.com+4hrw.org+4.
- The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) would describe Cabo Delgado as a “neglected crisis” since it is insurgency plus climate-related disasters (cyclones) that have worsened the situation regarding food insecurity.
- More than 5 million people are now facing IPC Phase 3 acute hunger and nutrition outcomes; nearly 900,000 are in emergency food crises apnews.com.
Rights Groups Call for Action
HRW has urged the Mozambican government and military to:
- Locate and rescue abducted children,
- Rule out policies that foster impunity,
- Strengthen child protection frameworks and collaboration with international organizationsreddit.com+15apnews.com+15hrw.org+15reddit.com+1aljazeera.com+1.
UNICEF as well as Save the Children are calling for more enhanced rescue, demobilization, psychosocial care, and long-term protection for children .
Situation Overview: Key Data
| Indicator | Figures / Notes |
|---|---|
| Children abducted | At least 120 (recent spike) |
| Age reported | Some as young as 13 |
| Insurgent tactics | Combat, labor, portering, forced marriage |
| Displaced population | 600 k–850 k in Cabo Delgado |
| Food crises | 5 M in crisis; 900 k in emergency |
| Insurgent origin | Al‑Shabab/ISIS-affiliated |
| Timeframe | Insurgency since 2017; recent surge last 2 months |
Understanding History & Insights
- From 2017 onwards, different non-state actors not only engaged children in fighting but also carried out abductions in Macomia, Mocímboa da Praia, and Palma hrw.org+4apnews.com+4reddit.com+4apnews.comreddit.com+10hrw.org+10clubofmozambique.com+10english.alarabiya.net+11aljazeera.com+11reddit.com+11.
- The recruitment of young people is meant to augment their numbers as well as fear — terrorizing local communities.
- While some regional efforts have contained the expansion of these groups, there was an upsurge in incidents in mid-2024 particularly May and June with fresh reports of abductions.
Outlook & What’s Needed
- Security programs: Human Rights Watch advises Mozambique to promptly put in place undertakings directed at child rescue and making leaders accountable.
- Additional humanitarian aid: More resources are needed to improve food distribution, provide psychological support, and sustain educational opportunities.
- International pressure: Governments and multilateral bodies must ensure sustained funding and monitoring to prevent further erosion of rights.
