Mozambique

14 October 2025

By October 2025, the conflict in Cabo Delgado since 2017 had affected all 17 districts of Mozambique and displaced around 1.3 million people. Between July–October alone, over 77,000 people fled renewed violence by non-state armed groups in northern Mozambique, including nearly 40,000 displacements between 22 September and 6 October across Cabo Delgado and neighbouring Nampula. Women and children make up 80% of those displaced, with most accommodated in host communities and a smaller proportion in official resettlement sites. The violence has also spread to Memba district in Nampula province, where abductions and targeted assaults on civilians and public infrastructure have been reported. Homes have been burnt, and a school and a health centre have been destroyed. Worsening insecurity has significantly disrupted humanitarian operations, leading UN agencies to suspend planned Joint Response Plan activities in Nangade on 11 October. Affected people urgently need food, shelter, NFIs, and protection. (IOM 09/10/2025, ECHO 13/10/2025, OCHA 10/10/2025)

16 September 2025

Between April–September 2025, around 2.09 million people faced acute food insecurity, including 143,000 in Emergency (IPC Phase 4) levels and more than 114,000 acutely malnourished children. From October 2025 to March 2026, the number of food-insecure people is projected to rise to 2.67 million, driven by depleted food reserves, irregular rainfall, and continued conflict and displacement, with 170,000 expected to experience IPC 4. (IPC 11/09/2025)

13 August 2025

Attacks by non-state armed groups from 20 July to 3 August 2025 in Ancuabe, Chiure, and Muidumbe districts of Cabo Delgado displaced over 57,000 people – the largest spike so far in 2025. The majority of displacement occurred in Chiure district, where homes and critical infrastructure were damaged or destroyed. The displaced population is sheltering in schools or with host families, with urgent needs. Humanitarian access remains highly constrained, with reports of ransom demands on trucks and the looting of aid intended for assisting the displaced, 58% of whom are children. Children separated from their families face heightened risks of violence, exploitation, and abuse. Severe education disruptions in Cabo Delgado elevate child protection risks. Recent attacks have led to the closure of 87 schools in Chiure district, affecting 48,000 students and 490 teachers, according to government sources. This is alongside the 117 schools that remain closed in Cabo Delgado. (STC 08/08/2025, IOM 05/08/2025, MNA 08/08/2025)

04 August 2025

From 24–30 July 2025, escalating violence by non-state armed groups displaced over 49,000 people from the Chiure Velho administrative post to Chiure Sede, Cabo Delgado. Most of the displaced, primarily women and children, are in transit centres or with host communities. Urgent needs include food, shelter, NFIs, and clean water. (CCCM Cluster 31/07/2025, UN 03/08/2025)

29 July 2025

From 20–28 July 2025, the escalation of violence by non-state armed groups in Ancuabe, Chiure, and Muidumbe districts in Cabo Delgado displaced nearly 47,000 people, mostly women and children. Most of them had sought refuge in schools, host communities, and temporary shelters in Chiure by 28 July. Displacements are expected to rise given new arrivals. Urgent needs include food, shelter, and NFIs. (IOM 30/07/2025, ECHO 28/07/2025)

24 June 2025

In northern Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province, there has been a significant increase in child abductions over the past few months, especially from May–June 2025. Al Shabaab, an armed group linked to the Islamic State, has taken at least 120 children. The abductions, which have occurred across various districts, are believed to be motivated by forced labour, child soldier recruitment, and forced marriages, all within the context of current hostilities. Children in northern Mozambique are experiencing severe trauma, displacement, interrupted education because of school closures, family separations, increased health risks in overcrowded shelters, and protection concerns. Specific incidents in January, March, and May included children being killed or going missing. Those who get released urgently require immediate medical care, vital psychological assistance, and reintegration mechanisms in their communities. (HRW 24/06/2025, UNICEF 03/06/2025, OCHA 12/06/2025)

27 May 2025

Between January–April 2025, non-state armed group attacks displaced over 43,000 people across Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa provinces. In Ancuabe district alone in Cabo Delgado, the attacks newly displaced over 23,000. Women and children are the most affected and face increased protection risks. Urgent humanitarian needs include food, shelter, and essential NFIs. (OCHA 20/05/2025, OCHA 01/05/2025, IOM 15/04/2025)