Mozambique child abductions surge: HRW blames ISIS-linked militants in Cabo Delgado
Local civil society groups and international observers indicate that over 120 children have been abducted in recent days by Al-Shabaab militants in the country.
The Human Rights Watch has sounded the alarm over a sharp increase in the abduction of children in northern Mozambique's Cabo Delgado province, citing reports that armed groups linked to the Islamic State (ISIS) are increasingly targeting minors.
According to Human Rights Watch, local civil society groups and international observers indicate that over 120 children have been abducted in recent days by Al-Shabaab militants in the country.
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Field interviews conducted in May and June with nine residents, journalists, activists and UN officials confirmed the resurgence.
The victims, mainly from villages in Mocímboa da Praia and Muidumbe districts, are reportedly forced to transport looted goods, perform forced labour, enter coerced marriages and even take part in combat.
"The surge in abductions of children in Cabo Delgado adds to the horrors of Mozambique's conflict," said Ashwanee Budoo-Scholtz, deputy Africa director at Human Rights Watch.
"Al-Shabab needs to spare children from the conflict and immediately release those who have been abducted."
Recent incidents of minor kidnappings in Mozambique include the January 23 raid on Mumu village in Mocímboa da Praia district, where four girls and three boys were taken. Two of them were later released, while five remain missing.
In March, six children were also abducted in Chibau to move stolen property; four were released the next day. Additional abductions occurred on May 3 in Ntotwe village and on May 11 near Magaia village. A total of nine children were kidnapped during the two incidents.
The Human Rights Watch maintained that even when freed, these children face significant hurdles reintegrating into their communities, often returning with deep psychological trauma and stigma from community members who may view them with suspicion or fear.
"There is a need to ensure that there are robust reintegration measures so that the children are not further ostracised when they come back to the community," said Budoo-Scholtz
"The country needs a clear strategy on what to do when a child, especially one that has been rescued, returns," added Benilde Nhalivilo, head of the Civil Society Forum for Children's Rights.
The civil society group subsequently urged Mozambican authorities to swiftly prevent further kidnappings, investigate past incidents, prosecute perpetrators and provide comprehensive support for survivors.
"Mozambique's government needs to take concrete actions to safeguard children and prevent armed groups from using them as tools of conflict," said Budoo-Scholtz.
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