Mozambique: Cabo Delgado, Nampula & Niassa Humanitarian Snapshot, As of September 2025 [EN/PT]

A new escalation of violence lead to new wave of displacement. In September, northern Mozambique witnessed a sharp escalation in violence as attacks by non-State armed groups (NSAGs) and military operations intensified, triggering new waves of displacement and placing additional strain on people. Humanitarian operations were also negatively impacted. In September, around 39,000 people were displaced in Cabo Delgado, more than 20,000 people—half of them children—were newly displaced. Many fled into the bush or found shelter with host families, often without being registered, suggesting that the actual number of displaced may be higher. Civilians reported abductions, killings, and destruction of property across several districts, including Ancuabe, Balama, Chiúre, Macomia, Mocímboa da Praia, Montepuez, Muidumbe, Nangade, and Memba. Between January and September, a total of 151,000 people were displaced across the three provinces — including 148,000 in Cabo Delgado alone.

Violence increased. By the end of September, 642 incidents involving violence against civilians, were recorded across Cabo Delgado, Erati and Memba in Nampula Province and Mecula in Niassa Province. The significant increase in incidents involving kidnappings, killings, and the use of improvised explosive devices has been recorded since the start of the year, putting 2025 on track to exceed previous peaks in violence. The worsening insecurity also forced some returnees to flee again.

Humanitarian assistance and rapid response efforts. Humanitarian partners continued to deliver life-saving assistance. By late September, WFP had reached over 173,000 people in Macomia, Quissanga, and Nangade through food distributions and completed a general distribution for nearly 20,000people outside the regular targeting system. The NGO-led Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) provided cash assistance to 11,000 people and conducted rapid needs assessments in multiple districts. Partners also expanded protection, mental health, and education activities, including plans to distribute dignity and reintegration kits for vulnerable children.

Protection and health gaps in conflict-affected areas. Protection services were prioritized across various sites, focusing on child protection, gender-based violence (GBV), civil documentation, and psychosocial support. However, gaps remained in family tracing, reunification, MHPSS and GBV case management, particularly in hard-to-reach areas like Mocímboa da Praia and Muidumbe. Health services also suffered setbacks when a medical organization suspended activities in Mocímboa da Praia after attacks, leaving thousands without care. As violence spread to new areas, resources became overstretched, and many newly displaced families remained without assistance.

Operational challenges and coordination efforts. Operational constraints further hampered the response. Temporary suspension of UNHAS flights to Macomia and reliance on humanitarian notification system for road movements delayed humanitarian delivery. OCHA engaged provincial authorities to streamline project approvals and strengthen coordination. To boost local response capacity, the Mozambique Humanitarian Fund allocated US$1 million to nine local NGOs in Quissanga and Macomia for urgent interventions.

Growing risks for children and vulnerable people The growing reach of NSAG attacks and their unpredictable tactics continue to threaten civilians Low levels of birth registration and limited civil documentation services exacerbate children’s vulnerability, leaving many without access to essential services and exposed to risks such as exploitation, abuse, and family separation.

Funding and operational priorities. This renewed surge in violence—following months of intensified conflict and three major cyclones earlier in the year—has further strained the humanitarian response. Sustained, flexible, and predictable funding across all sectors is urgently needed to allow rapid, needs-based adjustments in this volatile environment. Continued coordination, including engagement with security actors, access negotiations, information management, and logistics support through UNHAS, remains essential to ensure access to affected populations and the timely delivery of life-saving assistance.