Mozambique: Cabo Delgado, Nampula & Niassa Humanitarian Snapshot, March 2025

The humanitarian situation in Mozambique remains complex and fluid, with multiple overlapping crises impacting the country’s most vulnerable communities. The passage of Tropical Cyclone Jude has compounded humanitarian needs, prompting a revision of the Tropical Cyclones Flash Appeal. Initially launched for Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi, the appeal was updated in March to reflect the impact of Jude, raising the total funding requirement from US$134 million to US$197.5 million. The number of people targeted has also increased from 550,000 to 921,000.

In Cabo Delgado, low fuel supplies are severely disrupting humanitarian operations, particularly in the northern districts. Fuel is typically delivered from neighboring Nampula province, which suffered significant infrastructure damage from three consecutive cyclones. Portions of the N1 highway—the main trade route between the provinces—remain damaged, forcing goods to be rerouted through Niassa, nearly doubling transportation distances. This has led to sharp increases in transport costs and retail prices, making basic goods increasingly unaffordable for many households. The resulting inflation is exacerbating food insecurity and could further destabilize local markets. Humanitarian organizations are closely monitoring the situation.

In Nampula province, the situation remains volatile. On 17 March, misinformation blaming health workers for the spread of disease triggered violent attacks in Mogovolas district. After a patient was admitted to the Muatua health facility, a mob destroyed the homes of key health personnel and injured a health worker. The unrest quickly spread to other areas, forcing health staff to abandon facilities and halt services, including cholera and measles response. Misinformation and distrust between communities, health workers, and authorities have persisted since the cholera outbreak in October 2024. Cholera remains active in five districts, and the suspension of services is hampering control efforts.

In contrast, progress has been made in the use of Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA). In Muidumbe, 1,264 families displaced in mid-December from Muidumbe and Macomia received US$156 in cash assistance. District authorities in Muidumbe have supported the cash modality, viewing it as an effective tool for dignified assistance, especially in areas with functioning markets. During a recent workshop led by OCHA, the Provincial Governor encouraged partners to work closely with local authorities to tailor CVA based on context-specific needs and risks.

Meanwhile, repatriation efforts for Mozambican refugees in Malawi are nearing completion. The Government of Mozambique reported having facilitated the return of 6,382 individuals who fled post election violence to Nsanje and Chikwawa districts in southern Malawi. These returns represent approximately 90 per cent of the displaced population. The remaining 1,500 individuals have opted to remain in the Nhamithuthu accommodation camp in Nsanje. The National Institute for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management is working with Malawian authorities to ensure continued support for those who have not returned.