Mozambique: Humanitarian Access Snapshot - Northern Provinces (Cabo Delgado, Niassa, Nampula), as of January 2026 [EN/PT]

In January 2026, the convergence of insecurity, misinformation, environmental shocks, and administrative constraints further narrowed humanitarian space in northern Mozambique, requiring reinforced access negotiations, strengthened community engagement, and contingency planning to sustain assistance delivery. Violence remained concentrated in several districts of Cabo Delgado, particularly Macomia, Mocímboa da Praia, Muidumbe, Nangade, Quissanga, Meluco and Palma. Security incidents increased from 68 in December 2025 to 75 in January 2026, with hostilities significantly affecting strategic transit corridors, notably the N380 road linking southern and northern Cabo Delgado. Repeated attacks along this route risk triggered tighter controls, prolonged closures, and heavier reliance on armed escorts, delaying life-saving assistance and increasing operational complexity.

Persistent insecurity heightened protection risks, and disrupted access to farmland during the agricultural season, undermining food security and household resilience. For humanitarian partners, the cumulative impact has translated into reduced physical access, rising delivery costs, and growing difficulty in maintaining consistent programming in high-risk and hard-to-reach areas.

The continued use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) amplified fear and mobility constraints. Eight IED incidents were recorded across Macomia, Metuge, Quissanga and Mocímboa da Praia, including explosions in public areas and along main roads used by civilians and humanitarian partners. The destruction of a bridge along the R766 road further disrupted the transport of humanitarian goods, extending delivery times and increasing logistical costs.
Simultaneously, NSAG activity in Mocímboa da Praia District reflected a broader strategy of economic disruption. The seizure of fishing boats near the district headquarters and raids on civilian neighborhoods—including areas hat had recently seen IDP returns—appear aimed at undermining livelihoods, deterring returns, and strengthening armed group logistical capacity.

Reported NSAG movements toward Quissanga District, Ancuabe District, and Chiúre District further suggest strategic repositioning ahead of Ramadan, a period historically associated with intensified recruitment and supply stockpiling. At the same time, Mueda District—previously considered relatively stable—recorded a sharp increase in NSAG-related incidents, including killings, illegal checkpoints, and ransom demands, raising concerns about renewed destabilization.
Misinformation about cholera further complicated the operating environment. Six violent incidents linked to rumors in Cabo Delgado Province and Nampula Province led to assaults on health workers, vandalism of health facilities, and temporary suspension of services.In Montepuez District, civilian health staff fled after attacks, prompting the deployment of a military medical team. This raised concerns about neutrality, community acceptance, and patient confidentiality.

Bureaucratic impediments also emerged, including attempts to redirect assistance from displaced populations in Erati to returnees in Memba, challenging principled and needs-based targeting. Environmental factors compounded access constraints. Heavy rains and flooding damaged roads and bridges in Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces, limiting humanitarian reach and increasing transportation burdens.

Government Outreach to Hard-to-Reach Communities. On 17 January, the Mayor of Macomia District visited Mucojo Administrative Post and facilitated the delivery of assistance to Mucojo, Pangane, Naunde and Manica—communities that had reportedly received no support for over two years. While basic services remain largely absent and humanitarian presence minimal, the visit marks an initial step toward restoring access to hard-to-reach areas.