• Rice and soya oil purchased from Ukraine arrived in Pemba on Wednesday. Cabo Delgado is facing a humanitarian crisis, with 6,600 deaths and 1.3 million people displaced since 2017.

The Government of Finland on Wednesday donated food to support 330,000 people affected by the armed conflict in the Mozambican province of Cabo Delgado. The initiative, valued at around €1 million, involved the purchase of food products from Ukraine.

The donation, comprising rice and soya oil, was formally handed over on Wednesday in Pemba, Cabo Delgado, by Finland’s Ambassador to Mozambique, Satu Lassila, to the Cabo Delgado provincial government and the World Food Programme (WFP).

Photo: WFP Mozambique

On the occasion, the Finnish ambassador expressed concern about the humanitarian situation in the province, which has been affected by attacks by extremist groups for almost a decade.

“The humanitarian situation in Cabo Delgado is worrying. Mozambique must remain on the international agenda. The many crises requiring the world’s attention must not overshadow the needs of people here in Mozambique,” she said.

According to Ambassador Lassila, the assistance is intended to express solidarity with populations affected by the conflict and contribute to improving their living conditions.

“The delivery made on Wednesday sends a clear message: international solidarity takes on meaning when it reaches people and improves their lives,” she said.

The diplomat also called for continued support for families affected by food insecurity.

“Families facing hunger need continued attention and support that will enable them to find the conditions to rebuild their lives,” she added.

According to the ambassador, Finland is providing around €1 million to purchase food products originating in Ukraine, under the “Food from Ukraine” initiative, previously known as “Grain from Ukraine”.

Photo: WFP Mozambique

Gas-rich Cabo Delgado province is facing a humanitarian crisis caused by the armed conflict affecting the region since October 2017, which has already resulted in 6,600 deaths and 1.3 million people being displaced, according to international organisations.