Japan offers millions to Mozambique for humanitarian assistance – Observer

The Government of Japan has made available $ 3,725 million (3.2 million euros) to reinforce humanitarian assistance in Cabo Delgado province in northern Mozambique, affected by armed attacks since October 2017.

“Japan is honored to continue to support the people of Mozambique (…). This contribution reflects our commitment to practical and centered on people and working with national partners to promote stability and resilience in communities affected by the conflict,” said Keiji Hamada, Japan ambassador in Mozambique, cited in a statement sent to media.

The amount should reinforce vital assistance in areas affected by armed violence in northern Mozambique over the next 12 months, and should also serve to support Mozambique’s efforts towards sustainable development, refers to the joint statement between Japan, the United Nations (UN) and the Government of Mozambique.

The amount will be made available through four United Nations entities, under the leadership of the Government of Mozambique and in coordination with Mozambican counterparts.

“This renewed support from Japan comes at a crucial moment (..). Humanitarian needs in northern Mozambique remain acute, but also the opportunity to invest in recovery and inclusive solutions,” said Catherine Sosezi, resident coordinator of the United Nations and humanitarian coordinator for Mozambique, also cited in the document.

Japanese support should be applied in the sectors of food safety, child protection, shelter and essential domestic articles, health and drinking water supply, as well as strengthening social recovery and cohesion initiatives in collaboration with local authorities and affected communities.

“The Mozambique government is committed to strengthening its partnership with the UN government and UN agencies to help mitigate the suffering of affected communities,” said Gabriel Monteiro, vice president of the National Institute for Management and Risk of Disaster (Ingd) in Mozambique.

The province of Cabo Delgado, rich in gas, has been facing an armed rebellion since 2017 that caused thousands of dead and a humanitarian crisis, with more than one million people displaced.

In 2024 alone, at least 349 people died in attacks by Islamic extremist groups in the province, an increase of 36% over the previous year, according to data recently released by the Center for Strategic Studies of Africa, an academic institution of the US government department of the government that analyzes conflicts in Africa.