Mozambique: Displaced people complain of exclusion in accessing food aid – MediaFax

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Mozambique: Displaced people complain of exclusion in accessing food aid – MediaFax

3:49 CAT | 23 Mar 2021

FILE - For illustration purposes only. [File photo: O País]

Complaints about irregularities in the distribution of food to persons displaced by terrorism in Cabo Delgado continue to be heard in the regions of the provinces hosting the considerable number of people who have fled the horrors of war, with particular emphasis on the centres located in Cabo Delgado province.

It is said that some displaced persons are being excluded from receiving aid channelled with the support of the World Food Program (WFP), while the schemes instead benefit people close to the governing structures who coordinate the allocation of food aid.

Last week, MediaFax reported from Palma in the north of Cabo Delgado several instances of people who have nothing to do with the direct impact of terrorism allegedly appearing on the lists of beneficiaries.

Over the weekend MediaFAX received other reports denouncing the same situation in Montepuez, notably at the Mapupulo resettlement centre.

Here, it is said that the government, in coordination with the WFP, selected, through public tender, local traders who would be responsible for forwarding and delivering food aid to the displaced.

The stores were to receive food products from the WFP and the government and pass them on to the needy. After lists were made, beneficiaries were given a ticket to the value of 3,600.00 meticais.

On the basis of this ticket, known locally as a ‘check’, people go to local stores for essential products of their choice, to the limit up to the amount shown on the ‘check’.

The diversion of support to the benefit of family members and acquaintances of local officials is causing the truly displaced to experience severe hunger, according to the head of a household of 11 people displaced to the region.

The displaced person asked not to be identified for fear of being persecuted by local structures.

“After delivering a check, the beneficiary family goes to an area where the food providers’ trucks are parked,” he explained, bemoaning what he calls the insensitivity and opportunism of some people.

Alleged favouritism in the distribution of ‘checks’ is also the subject of complaints in Pemba, where displaced persons have repeatedly complained about this situation.

In Pemba, the food is taken to the stores earmarked, but these same stores have recently raised the price of basic products, to the extent that the 3,600 meticais now guarantees access to only the barest necessities.

Montepuez also reports supposed insensitivity on the part of health professionals. There is talk of some displaced people dying as a result of lack of medicines, with local health professionals refusing to provide medication without payment.

The fact is that the displaced depend solely and exclusively on support from entities of good will, and simple have no money. After having the good fortune of being assisted, they return home without medication, purely for lack of money.

Also read: Mozambique: Disturbances at food distribution in Palma – AIM report

Source: MediaFax