Mozambique: Humanitarian Access Snapshot - Northern Provinces (Cabo Delgado, Niassa, Nampula), as of February 2026 [EN/PT]

Humanitarian operations remain highly fragile due to multiple overlapping risks. In February, humanitarian access in Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces was constrained by ongoing violence against civilians, armed hostilities, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), cholera-related misinformation, heavy rains, and logistical challenges. These factors continued to hinder the delivery of assistance to vulnerable populations. During the month, the number of security incidents slightly decreased, from 75 in January to 70. The slight decline in security incidents does not significantly improve access for aid delivery.

Civilians continue to face significant protection risks, accurate needs assessments are challenged by insecurity and remoteness. A total of 33 incidents were recorded across five districts(Mocímboa da Praia, Macomia, Meluco, Muidumbe, and Palma)down from 43 in January. The attacks resulted in civilian fatalities, abductions, and temporary displacement. Many incidents occurred in remote mainland areas and islands with limited humanitarian presence, complicating efforts to estimate the number of displaced people, assessing their needs, and providing an effective response.

Military operations and NSAG attacks continue to disrupt key logistics routes, directly affecting humanitarian delivery and raising protection concerns for civilians. Hostilities between non-State armed groups (NSAGs) and joint Government security forces, including the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF), continued in February, with 21 incidents recorded, slightly higher than the 19 in January. Helicopter strikes raised concerns over potential indiscriminate attacks. NSAG attacks on military convoys along the N380 corridor, the main supply route linking southern and northern Cabo Delgado, led to over a week of suspended movement, delaying transport of goods, including humanitarian cargo. Mandatory military escorts further complicate adherence to humanitarian principles.

IEDs continue to pose a threat. Three improvised explosive device (IED) incidents were reported in February in Macomia and Mocimboa da Praia, down from eight in January. In Quinto Congresso, Macomia district, NSAGs used IEDs to attack a military-escorted convoy of commercial and passenger vehicles, injuring an unspecified number of civilians. In a separate incident in Macomia, an elephant triggered an explosive device placed in village forest areas, causing panic among the community.

Cholera misinformation is increasingly driving community violence, undermining public health efforts and highlighting urgent needs for risk communication and engagement strategies. About 13 community violent incidents driven by cholera-related misinformation and disinformation were recorded in February, nearly double the six incidents reported in January. Communities vandalized cholera treatment structures, threatened health workers, physically assaulted local leaders, and burned an ambulance and other assets, forcing the suspension of services.

Weather-related infrastructure damage is limiting humanitarian access, compounding existing security challenges and delaying aid delivery to affected populations. Heavy rains damaged roads, bridges, and airstrips, creating additional physical access constraints. Access along the R698 road was restricted due to broken bridges and culverts. UNHAS flights to Ibo were suspended because of poor airstrip conditions, affecting approximately 9,000 people. While marine transport to Ibo remains an option, the Mozambique Navy has imposed strict restrictions on sea movement.

Looting, perceived inequalities and movement restrictions continue to threaten safe delivery of humanitarian supplies, emphasizing the need for coordinated logistics, community engagement, and risk mitigation measures. Partners reported one incident through the AMRF involving NSAGs looting humanitarian cargo transported by a private contractor in Macomia district. In Mocimboa da Praia district, local authorities restricted transport of larger quantities of rice to Ulo Island due to concerns about potential NSAG looting. Joint missions and access assessments in Napala (Chiúre district) highlighted concerns over transparency in beneficiary targeting, perceived inequalities in assistance, and tensions between displaced and host communities, underscoring the need for stronger community validation and engagement with local leaders. OCHA continues to support partners through movement notification mechanisms and promotes community engagement, principled humanitarian action, and timely reporting of access constraints.