At least 120 children have been kidnapped by armed groups since the beginning of the year, according to figures released by the local non-governmental organisation Kwendeleya and confirmed by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

Many of the abducted children are believed to have been forced into combat roles or subjected to forced marriages. At the same time, thousands of civilians continue to flee their homes to escape the escalating violence. Those displaced face severe hunger, deep psychological trauma, and a lack of access to essential services.

Mozambican civic activist Aly Caetano during an interview described the unfolding crisis as one of the worst the country has faced in recent years.

"Children are being torn from their families and pushed into unimaginable conditions. Some are handed weapons while others are forced into marriage with fighters. It is a nightmare that many communities are living with little hope of relief," Caetano said.

He stressed that the response from the international community has been inadequate.

"The global spotlight has moved on, but here in Cabo Delgado, people are still suffering. We need more than sympathy. We need resources, pressure on all parties involved, and real commitment to peace," he added.

Aid agencies continue to warn of worsening humanitarian conditions, as access to affected areas remains limited. Observers say regional cooperation and long-term solutions are urgently needed to address the root causes of the conflict, including poverty, marginalisation, and the growing presence of extremist groups.

--ChannelAfrica--