Mozambique — humanitarian situation

Mozambique continues to face a complex humanitarian crisis driven by armed conflict in the northern provinces and compounding climate-related shocks. Non-state armed group activity in Cabo Delgado has intensified in recent months, with May 2026 marked by expansion into previously less-affected areas including Namuno district, which had not experienced attacks since 2022 (OCHA). More than 16,000 people were displaced in May alone due to attacks or fear of attacks, with security incidents increasing from 69 in April to 71 in May, concentrated in Chiúre, Macomia, and Mocímboa da Praia districts (OCHA). Islamic State Mozambique resumed insurgent activity in southern Cabo Delgado after two months, with at least 11 political violence events and 8 reported fatalities recorded in the first half of June (ACLED). The conflict has now resulted in 6,632 total fatalities since October 2017, including 2,772 civilians. As of December 2025, 800,000 people were identified in need of shelter assistance in Cabo Delgado, though only 333,900 were targeted for response (Shelter Cluster). The Mozambique Shelter Cluster has reached 159,580 individuals—47 percent of the target—affected by conflict, with 35,257 households receiving support. Central and southern provinces have additionally been affected by flooding in 2026, resulting in population displacement, damage to health infrastructure, and increased risk of waterborne disease outbreaks (WHO). The combination of recent floods, cyclone impacts, and forecasts of a strong El Niño event from mid-2026 has heightened concerns over the country's humanitarian outlook for the remainder of the year (OCHA). Humanitarian access remains severely constrained in northern provinces due to insecurity, bureaucratic impediments, operational limitations, and declining community acceptance (OCHA). Health services have been disrupted by both conflict and floods, with essential service continuity compromised across affected areas (WHO). Funding gaps significantly limit response capacity, with only USD 6.2 million—24.9 percent of the required USD 24.8 million—secured for shelter assistance as of December 2025 (Shelter Cluster). The expanding geographic scope of violence and anticipated climate impacts compound operational challenges facing humanitarian actors.