An Islamic State insurgency in northern Mozambique has displaced more than 300,000 people since July, exposing fears that the government lacks a clear strategy to end the conflict. Overshadowed by wars in Ukraine, Gaza and Sudan and by declining foreign aid, the crisis has been largely neglected, despite more than 1 million people being displaced overall, many multiple times.
The insurgency began in 2017 and drew global attention in 2021 after a deadly attack on Palma killed more than 600 people, including foreign workers on a major LNG project. Neither the Mozambican army nor a Rwandan military intervention—now numbering up to 5,000 troops—has been able to fully suppress the militants.
Violence against civilians has intensified this year, with over 100,000 people displaced in November alone as fighting spread into Nampula province. By late November, total displacement had risen to more than 350,000, while civilian deaths have surged to levels far higher than last year. Analysts say insurgents have grown bolder as Mozambican forces take the lead and Rwandan patrols decline, even as President Daniel Chapo has expressed interest in pursuing dialogue with the militants.
PHOTO: Norwegian Refugee Council
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