In central Mozambique, more than 1,000 families are facing displacement due to ongoing attacks by wild animals.
The head of the local administration in Marromeu district, Sofala province, has stated that the government plans to relocate approximately 1,500 families who are at risk from these attacks.
Henriqueta de Rosário, the local official, mentioned that three individuals have already lost their lives in wildlife attacks during the first quarter of this year.
Buffaloes from the Marromeu Special Reserve, located in the Zambezi river delta, have encroached upon residential areas, prompting the local population to seek safety on nearby river islands.
Unfortunately, even as they seek refuge on these islands, the displaced families now face the added threat of crocodile attacks. The situation requires urgent attention to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected communities.
“The conflict between man and wildlife is a growing reality” said Ms Rosário, adding that many people were threatened.
She said that at least 400 people had already signed up for a voluntary resettlement initiative to leave the area.