MOZAMBIQUE – Humanitarian Response to escalating Displacement caused by NSAG attacks in Cabo Delgado: Situation Report #1, As of 25 April 2025 [EN/PT]

HIGHLIGHTS

• between 1 January and 21 April, IOM Displacement Tracking Matrix have reported that attacks and fear of attacks by non-State armed groups (NSAGs) have triggered the displacement of an estimated 24,000 individuals across Ancuabe, Macomia, Meluco, Mocimboa da Praia, Montepuez, Muidumbe and Nangade, districts in Cabo Delgado (IOM DTM, Jan-April). Ancuabe (14,929 individuals - IOM DTM, ETT 132) was the most impacted district, followed by Montepuez (5,370 individuals - RRM Alert, 9 April).
• March 2025 witnessed an intensification of violence against civilians by NSAGs with 153 people abducted in one month, including women and children.
• Hijackings of civilian and commercial vehicles on the main supply routes including destruction of life-saving humanitarian goods and supplies, hampered the scale up of the response. (Access Snapshot - Cabo Delgado, 31 March)

Situation overview

Since 1 January 2025, renewed attacks and fear of attacks by NSAGs in Cabo Delgado have triggered the displacement of an estimated 24,000 individuals across Ancuabe, Macomia, Meluco, Mocimboa da Praia, Montepuez, Muidumbe and Nangade. An estimated 50 per cent of the affected population are children, 30 per cent are women. (IOM DTM, Jan-April)

Ancuabe is the most affected district with nearly 15,000 individuals displaced, followed by Montepuez (5,300 displaced). Partners have initiated response efforts, including the delivery of food and WASH support. Insecurity and logistical challenges—particularly hijackings and limited access to key supply routes—have, however, severely hampered operations.

March 2025 marked a troubling escalation in violence, with a sharp increase in the number of NSAG incidents (52 in March compared to 32 in February) and the reported abduction of 153 civilians. The heightened insecurity has also impacted the mobility of civilians and humanitarian actors alike.

Humanitarian partners in Cabo Delgado are responding to multiple shocks, having provided some form of assistance to 48% of the targeted population under the 2025 Mozambique HNRP—equivalent to approximately 523,000 people —and reaching 80% of those affected by Tropical Cyclone Chido.