Climate, conflict and aid — three-pronged solution needed for Mozambique

Mozambique, like much of southern Africa, faces increasing vulnerability to climate change. Frequent climate disasters like floods, the 2023/24 El Niño-induced drought and Tropical Storm Filipo, have severely disrupted agriculture-dependent communities. 

In the northern Cabo Delgado province, the resultant crop failures, destruction of infrastructure and displacement of thousands of people combine with a violent insurgency to intensify acute food insecurity. Emergency assistance and humanitarian aid are needed urgently.

Economic factors have contributed to the situation. In Cabo Delgado, the discovery of the world’s largest ruby fields and major natural gas reserves brought hope for economic growth. But it also spurred an armed insurgency by Islamic State Mozambique (IS-M) that has been active in northern Mozambique since 2017. 

Besides targeting economic assets, the militants exploit local grievances, unemployment and poverty to gain support for their cause – creating a cycle of conflict and economic struggle. Vulnerable and marginalised groups have become the prime targets for recruitment by the insurgents. 

This complex interplay of politics, ideology and economics requires a comprehensive response to both security concerns and socioeconomic considerations. 

On the security front, the government has been assisted by troops from Rwanda and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) since 2021. These efforts weakened the insurgents, but the threat remains and has been displaced to other parts of northern Mozambique as the terrorists adapt to their changed security environment. Although a strategy to prevent violent extremism and develop Cabo Delgado was initiated in 2022, it was never implemented.

Various international aid organisations have stepped in to provide much-needed humanitarian support. The International Committee of the Red Cross, the International Organization for Migration and the United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Refugees provide emergency relief and livelihood support to displaced and host communities. CARE works with women and girls to address poverty, provide healthcare access, education and support during emergencies.