Mozambique: Access Snapshot - Cabo Delgado Province, as of 31 May 2025

May saw the sharpest rise in violence in Cabo Delgado since June 2022, affecting over 134,000 people through 61 security incidents—38 involving attacks on civilians. Confirmed casualties included ten killings, some beheadings, and at least 45 abductions, many children. Since January, non-State armed groups (NSAGs) have abducted around 300 individuals.

Violence centered mainly in Cabo Delgado, particularly in Mocímboa da Praia, Muidumbe, Macomia, Ancuabe, Montepuez, and Palma, and spread into Mecula district in Niassa Province, displacing about 2,000 people. The insecurity disrupted essential services: mobile health teams suspended operations, and schools closed in Ancuabe, Montepuez, and Nangade. The increased use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) further endangered civilians, with three incidents reported in May—one injuring a man in Quiterajo (19 May) and another injuring several civilians, including children, in Nangade (23 May).

Severe access challenges were reported in districts such as Mocímboa da Praia (especially Mbau and Diaca), Muidumbe (Miengueleua, Magaia, Mapate), Macomia (Quiterajo, Chai), and Montepuez (Nairoto). Mid-May saw a surge in NSAG activity; in Maculo village (Mocímboa da Praia), residents were held hostage for two days and forced to pay “fees” for owning boats, canoes, or tents.

Protection risks intensified amid escalating clashes between NSAGs and Mozambican Defence Forces (FADM) alongside Rwandan Defence Forces (RDF). NSAGs strengthened control over key areas—including Mbau, Chinda, Chai, Catupa, and Diaca—and major access routes like the N380 and R698. Meanwhile, reports emerged of arbitrary arrests by FADM in Ibo, Quissanga, and Mocímboa da Praia, targeting fishermen suspected of NSAG links.

Humanitarian operations faced growing hurdles. Increased military checkpoints by both NSAG and joint forces restricted movement, delaying aid deliveries. Aid agencies reported administrative and operational constraints such as new credential requirements in Palma, police intimidation in Pemba, and obstruction of beneficiary registration in Montepuez. Tensions between internally displaced persons (IDPs) and host communities worsened; in Muidumbe, site leaders, following local authorities’ orders, denied registration to 1,242 newly arrived IDPs—including 472 children—while Força Local militia were instructed to repel displaced populations by force.

Community frustration compounded operational challenges. On 23 May, humanitarian supplies were looted in Chiúre amid public dissatisfaction with aid distribution, highlighting rising tensions. On 27 May, NSAGs looted a humanitarian truck in Rio Muera (Mocímboa da Praia), leading to a temporary halt of movements along the N380. By 29 May, an international NGO suspended food distributions in Macomia, relocating two international staff members to Pemba due to increased threats.

A key development was the first multisectoral humanitarian mission to Mucojo since 2020, uncovering urgent unmet needs in health, education, water, shelter, and food—underscoring the necessity to scale up humanitarian response.

The ongoing armed conflict in northern Mozambique, marked by abductions, extortion, and growing community tensions, continues to deepen the humanitarian crisis and restrict access to vulnerable populations. Meanwhile, NSAGs are intensifying efforts to gain local support through proselytization campaigns in districts like Quissanga, Macomia, and Meluco. Sustained coordination, conflict-sensitive approaches, and strong community engagement remain crucial to ensure safe and timely humanitarian access.