MOZAMBIQUE IN CRISIS; WHERE IS THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY?
By Iroegbu Chibuike
About the Author: Iroegbu Chibuike Irodili is a Journalist and a Poet who stands …firmly for the progress of Africa, using his pen to amplify the voices of the marginalized and challenge the status quo.
I am compelled to ask: Is the international community failing Mozambique? The country’s ongoing conflict, climate-related disasters, and entrenched poverty have left millions of Mozambicans in dire need of assistance. Despite the gravity of the situation, I believe the international community’s response has been inadequate and ineffective.
I often wonder about the immense situation crippling Mozambique’s citizens, despite government officials’ claims of prompt efforts to mitigate the crises. However, it’s shocking and overwhelming that the Mozambique leadership has struggled to respond effectively, exacerbating the situation. Mozambique remains one of the African countries plagued by fraudulent attacks and poverty, despite having leaders who can intervene.
These circumstances raise a pressing question: Are they truly unaware of the struggling economy, the flawed system of government, and the prejudice from those in power? Recently, three provinces in northern Mozambique were severely hit by Cyclone Chido, with reports indicating that 1.7 million people could be affected. The cyclone caused significant damage to housing and health facilities, exacerbating the plight of those already displaced by the country’s long-running conflict.
Despite the challenges, the World Health Organization (WHO) has deployed experts to Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces to support local authorities in conducting health assessments and addressing immediate needs. However, it remains to be seen whether government officials will take decisive action in response to the devastating impact of Cyclone Chido.
I thank the ShelterBox community and the World Health Organization (WHO) for their timely support and assistance during this difficult time.
I still stand by what I said earlier: what’s happening in Mozambique right now is concerning. It’s extremely scary. This has made me think deeper, reflecting on some of the rising political sentiments in the country. A republican-style political maneuver is unfolding, and I worry about its implications for democracy and human rights.
As I see it, Mozambique’s current situation is alarming, with rising concerns about its democratic governance, economic stability, and human rights. The country’s history of conflict, corruption, and authoritarian rule has led to a fragile peace agreement and a questionable democracy.
I’m troubled by the dominance of the ruling party, FRELIMO, which has hindered the development of inclusive democratic institutions. The lack of distinction between the ruling party and state apparatus has further exacerbated the issue. Corruption has also plagued the country’s economy, with Mozambique ranking 142nd out of 180 countries in the Corruption Perceptions Index in 2022.
The rise of Islamist insurgency in the northern province of Cabo Delgado has led to widespread human rights abuses, displacement of people, and a humanitarian crisis. I’m critical of the government’s response to the crisis, which has been heavy-handed, with reports of arbitrary arrests, torture, and extrajudicial killings.
The republican-style political maneuver I mentioned is also a concern, as it may further entrench authoritarian tendencies and undermine democratic institutions. Mozambique’s democratic transition has been fragile, and the country’s commitment to democratic principles and human rights remains uncertain.
Perhaps Mozambique is immune to manipulative tactics, especially those using cult of personality approaches. It’s crucial to be cautious of political careerists who spread doubt about the electoral system and judiciary through propaganda and misinformation on a large scale.
Mozambique has suffered from insufficient funding for essential services in the past and still suffering, for example, In 2022, the World Food Programme (WFP) required $158 million to support food assistance programs in Mozambique. However, only 54% of the required funds were received, leaving thousands of people without access to essential food aid.
After all these, do the government care to do something? Was there any input and output efforts to mitigate insufficient funding and increase Food security? ‘NO’
Despite all this, no help from somewhere, which implies that, the international Community has failed in its duty
Not to mention when Mozambican government and humanitarian partners required $150 million to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. However, only $60 million was received, hindering the country’s ability to provide adequate healthcare services. Also in 2022, when the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) required $35 million to provide shelter and protection services to displaced persons in Mozambique. However, only 20% of the required funds were received, leaving many without access to safe shelter..
These has lead to Several consequences which include reducing aid programs, leaving thousands of people without access to essential services, increased vulnerability of affected populations, particularly women, children and elderly, who are more susceptible to exploitation, abuse and neglect, increased food insecurity and malnutrition, particularly among children and pregnant women, hindered efforts to provide shelter and protection services to displaced persons, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation and abuse
The consequences of this inaction are dire. I worry that the reduced aid programs will leave thousands without access to essential services. The increased vulnerability of affected populations, particularly women, children, and the elderly, is also a major concern.
However, I am underwhelmed by the current response. Despite the severity of the crisis, the international community’s response has been slow, inadequate, and insufficient. The funding provided for humanitarian programs has been woefully inadequate, and the coordination among international organizations, local authorities, and humanitarian partners has been poor.
The civilians of Mozambique must be protected and supported as well as the government in responding to the crisis. The international community has a moral obligation to act in the face of human suffering and humanitarian need.
I urge the international community to do more. They need to provide adequate funding to support humanitarian programs, including food assistance, healthcare, and shelter, enhance coordination among international organizations, local authorities, and humanitarian partners to ensure a more effective response, Invest in sustainable development initiatives that address the root causes of the crisis and promote long-term stability, ensure that civilians are protected from violence, exploitation, and abuse, and that their human rights are respected, support the government of Mozambique in its efforts to respond to the crisis, while also holding them accountable for their actions.
The international community must do better. I owe it to the people of Mozambique to act with urgency, compassion, and generosity. They must work together to address the humanitarian needs of the affected population and support the government in building a more stable and prosperous future for all Mozambicans.
The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing.” – Albert Einstein
As I’ve emphasized, the international community’s inaction in the face of Mozambique’s crisis is alarming. If they remain mute and inactive, the situation will only escalate, leading to more suffering, displacement, and instability.
The International community must break its silence and take decisive action. And the people of Mozambique must act with urgency, compassion, and generosity
Will the the international community rise to the challenge, or remain complicit in their inaction? The world is watching.
Iroegbu Chibuike Irodili is a Journalist and a Poet who stands …firmly for the progress of Africa, using his pen to amplify the voices of the marginalized and challenge the status quo.
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