Renewed violence in northern Mozambique forces more than 7,000 from homes

Maputo/Geneva, 3 November 2026 – More than 7,000 people have fled their homes in Mozambique’s northern Cabo Delgado province since late September. They are escaping fresh violence and fear of attacks by non-state armed groups, according to new data from the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Women and children make up nearly 80 per cent of the most recent arrivals. Ongoing insecurity is forcing families to flee and putting more pressure on the communities that take them in. “More families are seeking safety in communities that are already hosting people displaced by violence. Nearly eight in ten are women and children,” said Dana Graber Ladek, IOM Chief of Mission in Mozambique. “These communities need help with food, shelter and healthcare. Without timely support, life could get much harder for displaced families and the people hosting them.” Between 21 September and 13 October, 5,794 people were displaced. Another 1,235 fled between 14 and 27 October. That brings the total to 7,029 people in just over five weeks. Some have been forced to flee more than once, leaving them even more vulnerable. Women and children remain the hardest hit. In the latest two-week period, 584 children and 386 women were displaced, 78 per cent of the total. They included 87 pregnant women, 58 older people, 18 people with disabilities and four unaccompanied or separated children. Many male household members have stayed behind and at risk in order to maintain livelihoods. As of October 2026, Cabo Delgado hosts more than 205,000 displaced people across 84 sites. More than half are children. The new arrivals add to a crisis that has lasted for years. Most newly displaced families are staying with host communities. This is stretching households and local services that are already struggling. Food is the most urgent need, reported by 88 per cent of those assessed. Shelter is a priority for 71 per cent, and 44 per cent need healthcare. Families also reported protection needs. With no clear sign of when families can safely return home, needs are growing. Sustained support is needed to help newly displaced people access essential services and to ease the strain on host communities. IOM is supporting displaced families and host communities in Cabo Delgado. Its work includes emergency shelter, essential household items, camp coordination and management, water, sanitation and hygiene, protection, and mental health and psychosocial support. IOM also works with conflict-affected communities to address the drivers of conflict and build long-term peace and stability. Through its Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM), IOM provides data that guides humanitarian planning and coordination. But continued displacement and falling funding are stretching the response, just as demand for emergency help grows. For more information, please visit IOM’s Media Centre.