Mozambique — humanitarian situation

Mozambique faces compounding humanitarian crises driven by ongoing conflict in the north, recent widespread flooding, and emerging drought risks linked to El Niño conditions. Conflict-related displacement continues in Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa provinces, with approximately 28,100 people displaced since January 2026, including 1,979 newly displaced in July alone OCHA. On 7 August, reported presence of non-state armed groups in Quissanga district triggered fresh displacement of 819 individuals into host communities within Mahate administrative post IOM. Armed clashes have intensified around Catupa forest, with repeated engagements between state forces and insurgent groups accounting for approximately half of all conflict events since mid-2025 ACLED. Severe flooding beginning in late December 2025 affected more than 724,000 people across southern and central Mozambique, with over 100,000 displaced to approximately 100 accommodation centres at the emergency's peak OCHA. The floods damaged 229 health facilities nationwide, including nearly 100 in Gaza province, with 20 completely flooded and five destroyed WHO. The 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan targets 1.1 million people across 20 conflict-affected districts, of which 919,000 are hyper-prioritized in Cabo Delgado's Severity 4 districts OCHA. Crisis-level food insecurity (IPC Phase 3) outcomes persist in conflict-affected areas of northern Cabo Delgado through at least January 2027, as ongoing insecurity disrupts livelihoods, limits income opportunities, and restricts market access FEWS NET. Worst-affected households resort to negative coping strategies including reduced meal frequency and prioritizing children's nutrition. Agricultural support has reached 5,500 households through distribution of over 103 tonnes of crop seeds and farming tools in Cabo Delgado and Niassa FAO. The humanitarian response faces significant operational constraints. The 2026 conflict response requires $348 million to address urgent needs across northern provinces OCHA. Despite funding limitations, the Shelter Cluster has assisted 94,768 individuals as of July, with concentrated operations in Memba, Metuge, Chiure, and Mecufi districts UNHCR. Health Cluster partners maintained presence for flood response through July, though infrastructure damage continues to affect service delivery across affected provinces WHO. Access constraints persist in conflict zones where insecurity limits humanitarian operations and population movement.