Mozambique

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)

22 April 2025

By 16 April, an attack by a non-state armed group on 31 March in Nacuale village, Ancuabe district, Cabo Delgado province, had displaced around 15,000 people, mostly women (4,669) and children (7,565). The displaced have sought refuge in various locations, including displacement sites and host communities across Ancuabe, Macomia, Montepuez, and Quissanga districts. The most pressing needs are food, shelter, NFIs, and protection. This attack exemplifies the continued violence against civilians in northern Mozambique since 2017, leading to repeated waves of displacement. Such attacks often involve looting, arrests, abductions, targeted killings, and the destruction of infrastructure, as non-state armed groups aim to demonstrate their presence and instil fear in the population. Displaced people often experience overcrowding in makeshift settlements and host communities, which increases the risk of disease outbreaks. Disruptions to agricultural activities and limited access to markets aggravate food insecurity, affecting both displaced people and host communities.
(RI 28/06/2024, IOM 18/04/2025, UNHCR 21/04/2025)

11 March 2025

On 10 March 2025, Tropical Cyclone Jude made landfall in Mossuril district, Nampula province, with strong winds and heavy rainfall. It caused widespread destruction, leaving many people homeless, without power, and with limited access to services given damaged infrastructure. Preliminary assessments are underway. Approximately 780,000 people are at risk from the strong winds and heavy rains expected from the cyclone, particularly in Nampula and Zambezia. The current rainy season and cyclone season may lead to a rise in cholera cases in these two provinces. Jude is the third cyclone to hit Mozambique since December 2024, adding to the complexities of the humanitarian response in the affected regions. The impact of the two cyclones is placing a significant strain on response efforts, aggravated by conflict, political tensions, and a decline in humanitarian funding. Those affected by the cyclone will likely require shelter, food and NFIs, health services, and protection. (OCHA 10/03/2025, MISAU 11/03/2025, AimNews 11/03/2025)