A surge in attacks by armed groups in northern Mozambique has forced tens of thousands of civilians to flee their homes in July alone, exacerbating a severe humanitarian crisis in the conflict-ridden Cabo Delgado province, according to the United Nations.
The UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that intensified violence between July 20 and 28 displaced at least 46,000 people across the districts of Chiúre, Ancuabe, and Muidumbe. Since January, more than 95,000 individuals have been uprooted due to worsening insecurity, further straining already limited aid resources.
Humanitarian access in the region is becoming increasingly fragile, with aid organizations struggling to reach displaced populations. Disturbing reports indicate a high number of unaccompanied or separated children among those fleeing the violence.
Mozambique has been grappling with an Islamist insurgency in Cabo Delgado since 2017. Despite efforts by government forces—bolstered by troops from Rwanda, South Africa, and other regional partners—the violence has persisted, displacing hundreds of thousands over the years.
The latest wave of attacks underscores the growing instability in northern Mozambique, where civilians continue to bear the brunt of the conflict. Aid agencies warn that without urgent international support, the humanitarian situation will deteriorate further, leaving vulnerable populations at even greater risk.
