Mozambique — humanitarian situation

Mozambique faces a complex humanitarian crisis driven by protracted conflict in the north, severe flooding in central and southern provinces, and emerging drought risks linked to El Niño conditions. In Cabo Delgado, insecurity intensified during May 2026, displacing over 17,000 people including more than 8,800 children UNICEF. Conflict-related displacement has continued with population movements reported throughout July, totaling 28,100 people displaced since January 2026 OCHA. On 7 August, the reported presence of non-state armed groups in Quissanga district triggered fresh displacement of 819 individuals into host communities within Mahate administrative post IOM. The combined pressures of armed conflict and climate-related hazards are reshaping community dynamics in vulnerable regions, particularly affecting relationships between internally displaced persons and host communities in Cabo Delgado and Manica IOM. An estimated 1.71 million people require urgent humanitarian assistance and protection in 2026, with 977,110 affected by conflict and 733,518 by flooding FAO, FSC, WFP. Food insecurity remains a critical concern, with approximately 2.09 million people across assessed districts facing high levels of acute food insecurity at IPC Phase 3 or above according to the September 2025 post-shock assessment FAO, FSC, WFP. Severe flooding in central and southern provinces has caused widespread displacement, damaged health infrastructure, and heightened the risk of waterborne disease outbreaks, disrupting access to essential health services (WHO, Health Cluster). UNICEF-supported interventions in May reached 20,972 children through measles vaccination and 9,032 people through integrated mobile health brigades, while nutrition services screened and treated 5,946 children under five UNICEF. In April, 443,013 people were vaccinated against cholera and 118,136 children under five received polio vaccination UNICEF. Humanitarian access and response capacity face significant constraints. Local and national organizations comprising over 120 members of the Mozambique Local Humanitarian Coordination Platform operate on the frontlines, yet remain structurally marginalized in leadership, funding, and coordination despite being capable, trusted, and present MLHCP, ODI. Between March and May 2026, funding reductions significantly impacted protection partners' capacities, with particular effects on child protection programming and coordination (Protection Cluster, UNHCR). The northern region continues to account for the majority of humanitarian needs, with 54 percent of cases reported through WFP's assistance hotline originating from this area in July WFP.