ANALYZING MOZAMBIQUE'S ONGOING CHALLENGES:
CHOLERA OUTBREAKS, SECURITY CONCERNS, AND FUNDING SHORTFALLS
Description: Recent OCHA report highlights Mozambique's mounting challenges, including a cholera resurgence, increased security threats in Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa, and funding shortfalls for humanitarian operations. Discover the depth of the crisis and the steps being taken.
In a recent update from Mozambique, there's growing concern over escalating security incidents, health outbreaks, and the increasing number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the regions of Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa.
Security Woes in Macomia District:
The month of July saw a resurgence of attacks on civilians by Non-State Armed Groups (NSAGs) with a total of four recorded incidents. These malicious groups seemed to have found a lifeline by purchasing food commodities from local communities such as Ingoane, Milamba, Pangane, and Pequeué. In response to curb the empowerment of these NSAGs, Mozambique Defence and Security Forces implemented restrictions on traders, preventing them from buying and selling large quantities of food in local villages.
Cholera's Return:
Despite witnessing a steady decline over two months, the end of July marked an unexpected rise in cholera cases. New outbreaks were identified in the MocÃmboa da Praia and Mueda districts. Although both Nampula and Cabo Delgado reported numerous cases, the Niassa region remained unaffected during the reported period.
The IDP Crisis:
The northern regions of Mozambique are grappling with a concerning number of IDPs, amounting to 834,000. Out of these, 81,500 individuals have been displaced within their original districts, 544,000 are residing in host communities, and 29,400 are sheltered across 99 different accommodation sites. However, there's a silver lining: 420,000 individuals have returned to their original communities. Bolstering this positive trend, Cabo Delgado's provincial government has reinstated a crucial road linking the Macomia district to the Mucojo administrative unit, which will greatly enhance the mobility of returning individuals.
Funding Woes Continue:
Financial challenges persist, with humanitarian operations struggling due to insufficient funding. By the end of July, only 29.5% ($151.3 million) of the needed $512.9 million Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) was funded, leaving a staggering $361.6 million deficit. While the WASH and Shelter/NFIs sectors received commendable funding of 54.9% ($25.1 million) and 43.9% ($19.7 million) respectively, the Education and Protection sectors lagged behind with just 7.4% ($1.76 million) and 7.5% ($4.26 million) of their requirements met.
Mozambique's challenges span across security, health, and humanitarian sectors. The collaborative efforts of global organizations and nations will be paramount in navigating these crises and supporting the nation's vulnerable populations.
Source:
OCHA. (2023, August 21). Mozambique: Cabo Delgado, Nampula & Niassa Humanitarian Snapshot - July 2023. ReliefWeb. https://reliefweb.int/report/mozambique/mozambique-cabo-delgado-nampula-niassa-humanitarian-snapshot-july-2023