Mozambique: Archbishop of Nampula’s urgent appeal for 30,000 displaced people in Memba

Cremildo Alexandre – Nampula

The Nampula Archbishop emphasised the critical need for concrete solidarity to assist families fleeing violence inflicted by jihadist militias operating in northern Mozambique.

Concerning humanitarian situation 

In an interview with Vatican News, Archbishop Saure expressed his deep concern about the dire conditions faced by the displaced families. “More than 30,000 people are currently sheltering in the administrative post of Alua, having fled their homes due to recent terrorist incursions in Nampula Province,” he explained.

The Archbishop said that he is in regular contact with the Bishop of Nacala, whose jurisdiction includes Memba. He had already instructed Nampula Archdiocesan Caritas to prepare a concrete response to support the internally displaced persons (IDPs). 

Need for immediate support 

Apart from violence, the onset of the rainy season, in Southern Africa, is exacerbating the already fragile shelter conditions for many IDPs living in makeshift homes. “The plight of these people is painful and heartbreaking,” said Archbishop Saure.

The situation is particularly dire for children, with reports of deaths from hunger and thirst as families escaped the gunmen. 

Archbishop Saure urged both Mozambicans and the global community to assist the displaced, emphasising their urgent needs: “They require money, clothes, medicines, tents for shelter, and above all, food.”