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

In March, humanitarian access in Cabo Delgado remained constrained by a convergence of threats, including violence against civilians, armed clashes, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), attacks linked to cholera-related misinformation, seasonal rains, and bureaucratic impediments.

Security incidents decreased from 70 in February to 47 in March, likely due to heavy rainfall limiting the mobility of non-State armed groups (NSAGs) by restricting access to terrain. Despite this decrease, at least 22 people were reported killed and 20 others allegedly abducted, underscoring the continued protection risks faced by civilians.

Armed clashes and violence against civilians remained the primary constraints on humanitarian access, with at least 39 incidents reported across nine districts. The majority—around 87 per cent—occurred in districts with highest severity of needs (Severity 4), namely including Ancuabe, Macomia, Meluco, Metuge, Mocímboa da Praia, Mueda, Muidumbe, Nangade, and Quissanga. These incidents resulted in civilian fatalities and abductions, alongside the looting of agricultural produce and extortion linked to artisanal mining. Attacks against fishermen have further heightened tensions, particularly in Muidumbe and along coastal areas of Mocímboa da Praia and Macomia, where NSAG movements are frequently reported.

NSAGs have also continued to combine coercive tactics with selective engagement, at times resorting to violence while simultaneously distributing or purchasing goods in communities in Metuge, Quissanga, and Macomia without causing direct harm. This dual approach shapes community perceptions, complicates principled humanitarian engagement, and undermines the trust required for sustained access.

Despite ongoing insecurity, displacement remained limited and highly localized. According to IOM-DTM, 102 people were displaced from Macomia to neighbouring districts. Most affected communities remained in place, indicating short-term coping strategies rather than large-scale movements and reflecting both constrained mobility and difficult protection choices. Reaching vulnerable rural populations therefore requires flexible, adaptive approaches, with humanitarian partners continuously adjusting access strategies and delivery modalities to rapidly evolving security conditions.

Insecurity along road networks continues to disrupt humanitarian operations and increase operational risks. Despite armed escorts, two incidents were reported: an attack on a military convoy along the N380 in Muidumbe and the extortion of a passenger vehicle along the R1251 in Negomano, Mueda district. In a separate incident, alleged NSAG elements intercepted a humanitarian vehicle along the R763 in Nangade and demanded payment for passage, highlighting persistent exposure to coercion along key routes.

IED threats also persisted, with three incidents recorded in Macomia and Muidumbe. Two devices were detonated by FDS/RDF in Chai (Macomia) on 7 March, while an incomplete IED was recovered under the Muera River bridge in Muidumbe on 19 March.

Seasonal rains further disrupted access, causing significant damage to key routeswhich experienced restricted transitability. Road 760 (Mecufi–Mazeze) became impassable following the collapse of the Megaruma River bridge, while trucks carrying humanitarian supplies were stranded along the R698 between Montepuez and Nairoto. These disruptions led to reduced assistance in Namuno and interrupted water provision to approximately 35,000 people in Metuge. Operational delays were also recorded due to bureaucratic impediments, including credential approval requirements in Mueda district.

Strengthening community acceptance and cholera risk communication, maintaining principled humanitarian action and civil–military coordination, and reinforcing humanitarian coordination remain critical to sustaining access and ensuring the continuity of assistance.