OCHA recognises GCR’s work in Mecula: support for displaced families and emerging challenges

On 17 May 2025, Mecula district, in Niassa province, received an official visit from a representative of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), accompanied by the humanitarian coordination focal point. The aim of the mission was to assess the situation of displaced families from the localities of Mbamba and Macalange, who face multiple challenges in the process of return and reintegration.

Reception and visit to the District Government

The delegation was received by GCR’s Humanitarian Coordinator and the District Supervisor. The agenda included a courtesy visit to the District Government, which showed the collaboration between the local, national and international actors present in the district.

During the meeting, the OCHA representative congratulated the District Government and the humanitarian organisations working in the region, highlighting in particular GCR’s ongoing work in partnership with UNFPA and other partners. He stressed the importance of maintaining an active presence in the communities of Mbamba and Macalange, where several displaced families have already begun to return, to ensure stability and confidence.

Results and challenges presented

The GCR team presented the results achieved up to that point, including psychosocial support, protection and emergency response interventions.

The challenges the families face were also shared. Among them was the destruction of granaries by animals, which worsened the existing food insecurity.

The District Government’s request

The District Government took the opportunity to stress the urgent need for financial support for sustainable economic empowerment projects. It suggested initiatives in agriculture, beekeeping and aquaculture that could secure livelihoods for displaced and returning families.

“Our greatest challenge at the moment is to ensure that these families not only survive, but recover their dignity and autonomy.” — Representative of the local Government of Mecula

About the work in Mecula

In Mecula, GCR works in partnership with UNFPA to support displaced and returning families.

For protection reasons, we do not publish the names of the people we support or images that could identify them.