The German government has provided 26 million euros for "urgent humanitarian response" in Cabo Delgado, in northern Mozambique, a province that has suffered attacks by armed groups since 2017.

The amount was made available through the World Food Programme (WFP), in response to the organization's appeal to the international community for "urgent new funds" to support the victims of armed violence, according to a joint statement sent to the media on Tuesday.

"I am proud of these funds that undoubtedly come at a time when the population of Cabo Delgado needs it most to survive and get back on its feet," said Lothar Freischlader, Germany's ambassador to Mozambique, quoted in the document.

According to WFP, the amount will help more than 290,000 people affected by armed violence in the north of the country, at a time when the need for assistance is "rising to record levels."

"Without immediate support and action, thousands of people would suffer from food insecurity in Northern Mozambique. WFP will continue to support the most vulnerable and provide recovery and resilience assistance, working closely with national institutions," said Antonella D'Aprile, WFP's representative and director in Mozambique.

According to the statement, with the additional funds announced Tuesday, Germany has contributed to the WFP in 2021 "twice as much as it has contributed in the past four years combined."

Armed groups have terrorized Cabo Delgado province since 2017, with some attacks claimed by the Islamic State group.