Categories: AFRICA

Jihadists Abduct Dozens of Mozambican Children

Jihadist groups in Mozambique have abducted dozens of children, most of them girls over the past year, British charity Save the Children has said.

The charity says at least 51 children have been abducted amid violence and insecurity that has displaced hundreds of thousands of people.

It notes that the number of children abductions is likely to be “far higher” – as its report only reflects the reported cases.

The charity has expressed concern that such abductions were “a new and alarmingly regular tactic by armed groups involved in the conflict”.

“Being abducted, witnessing abductions, experiencing attacks, being forced to flee from armed groups – these are extremely traumatising events for young children and adolescents,” the charity’s country director Chance Briggs said.

He said the abductions were among the grave violations of children’s rights at a time of conflict as defined by the UN and can be “a first step towards war crimes”.

The charity has called for the immediate release of all the abducted children and for perpetrators to be held to account.

Islamist militants have been active in northern Mozambique for more than three years, beheading people, attacking towns and villages, and burning homes.

Over 700,000 people, more than half of them children, have been displaced in recent years as a result of the Islamist insurgency.

Follow us on:

AriseNews

Recent Posts

IGP Orders Investigation into Death of Ilorin Detainee Jimoh Abdulquadri in Police Custody

IGP Egbetokun has ordered an investigation into Jimoh Abdulquadri’s death in police custody, promising justice…

2 hours ago

Trump Dismisses Claims That Elon Musk Holds Real Power Behind US President-Elect

Donald Trump has rejected suggestions that Elon Musk is the true influence behind the newly…

2 hours ago

Tiger Woods’ 15-Year-Old Son Charlie Achieves His First Hole-in-One

Tiger Woods' son Charlie has achieved his first golf hole-in-one during the final round of…

2 hours ago

New Zealand Rejects Cook Islands’ Bid For A Separate Passport

New Zealand has rejected the Cook Islands’ proposal for a separate passport, requiring full independence…

2 hours ago

Honda, Nissan Eye Major Merger, Aim to Finalise Deal by 2025

Honda and Nissan plan a merger to create the world’s third-largest automaker, aiming to finalise…

2 hours ago

Trump Chooses Ex-Bank President As Latin America Envoy Despite Alleged Affair Scandal

Trump has selected ex-bank president Mauricio Claver-Carone as Latin America envoy, despite past misconduct allegations…

2 hours ago