Islamic State Insurgency Displaces Hundreds of Thousands in Mozambique

Islamic State Insurgency Displaces Hundreds of Thousands in Mozambique
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More than 300,000 people have been displaced by an Islamic State-linked insurgency in northern Mozambique since July, raising concerns over the lack of a sustainable strategy to end the conflict, The Guardian reported. The crisis has received limited international attention as global focus shifts to other major wars and humanitarian funding declines.

The insurgency, led by Islamic State–Mozambique, began in 2017 in Cabo Delgado province and has since forced more than one million people from their homes, many repeatedly. Despite operations by Mozambican forces and a Rwandan military deployment launched in 2021, violence against civilians has persisted and intensified this year.

According to the International Organization for Migration, more than 100,000 people were displaced in November alone as fighting spread south into Nampula province. By late November, the number of displaced people had risen to over 350,000, compared with about 240,000 a year earlier, highlighting the deteriorating security situation.

Conflict monitor Acled reported 549 deaths in 302 attacks so far this year, with civilians accounting for more than half of the fatalities. Analysts say insurgents have grown increasingly bold, while military operations have become less effective. Much of the security effort has focused on protecting a multibillion-dollar liquefied natural gas project rather than civilian safety.

Humanitarian groups warn that displacement has heightened risks of abuse, particularly for women and children, with funding falling short of needs. Aid agencies say displaced families face poor living conditions and limited access to services, while many express a desire to return home and rebuild their livelihoods amid ongoing instability.