The Christians in Mozambique are reaching their most worsened in recent weeks. Due to the series of attacks, missionaries, priests, and nuns are being forced to leave the town of Mazeze, due to jihadist attacks that began on 9 February.
Since the beginning of 2024, the situation of violence has increased, when armed Islamist groups in the north of the country intensified their activities, causing “an atmosphere of fear and insecurity” in the population, as explained by the pontifical foundation Aid to the Church in Need.
The epicenter of the attacks is the province of Cabo Delgado, whose capital is Pemba. Most of the Catholic clergy displaced by the terrorist attacks, which have burned houses and churches, have taken refuge there, according to a missionary who remained anonymous for security reasons.
Another missionary told the pontifical foundation that the jihadists have gained ground in Cabo Delgado, but that “the final objective of these movements and attacks” is not yet clear.
Since 2017, these armed groups have rebelled against military or government structures and have attacked civilian communities. Although both Muslims and Christians have been victims of terror on several occasions, since that year there have also been “attacks specifically directed at Christian targets and communities,” ACN explained.
“Many missionaries have also been forced to move,” a local priest told the foundation. Furthermore, he indicated that the decision of many religions to abandon Mazeze and flee to Pemba was a way to protect the people.
“Leaving is sometimes a way to protect people, because often if priests or sisters remain in the villages, people feel safe and stay with them, which can leave them exposed to attacks,” said this priest.
The jihadist insurgency in Mozambique has caused at least 5,000 deaths and more than a million displaced since 2017. Several countries in the region have since collaborated with the Mozambican army to stop the violence.
ACN concluded by stating that the Catholic Church “is deeply committed to supporting displaced people in northern Mozambique and trying to find a peaceful solution to the conflict.”