This archive report was first published on 9 June 2021.
June 9, 2021 - In a disturbing trend, jihadists have abducted dozens of children in northern Mozambique, with the numbers likely higher than reported, according to a report by Save the Children.
The charity, which has been tracking the conflict in the region, said that at least 51 children, mostly girls, have been captured in Cabo Delgado province since 2020.
The province has been plagued by Islamist attacks, which have displaced over 700,000 people since 2017. In March, militants launched a coordinated assault on Palma town, killing dozens and forcing over 67,000 people to flee their homes.
Save the Children warned that the abduction of children has become a new and alarming tactic by armed groups involved in the conflict. The charity's country director, Chance Briggs, said that being abducted or witnessing abductions is extremely traumatising for young children and adolescents.
Save the Children called for the immediate release of all abducted children and for the perpetrators to be held accountable.
