June 2025 witnessed a deepening humanitarian crisis across Northern Mozambique. Escalating conflict, funding shortfalls, cholera outbreaks, and the aftermath of three consecutive cyclones severely constrained humanitarian efforts and exacerbated the suffering of people.
Intensified conflict. In Cabo Delgado, escalating violence by non-State armed group (NSAG) continued to drive new displacement, disrupt essential services, severely restrict movement, exacerbate food insecurity, and impede the delivery of life-saving assistance.
On 24 June, 568 individuals, including 324 children, fled NSAG attacks in Quinto Congresso village towards the already overcrowded Macomia district headquarters this brings the total number of people displaced by conflict to 48,000 since 1 January. Many, displaced multiple times, urgently need food, shelter, NFIs, and WASH .
Funding shortfalls cripple humanitarian response. Humanitarian funding between 2024 and 2025 shows a decline of 26 per cent, from $74 million in 2024 to $55 million (May 2025). The number of implementing partners decreased by 36 per cent from 76 to just 49. As a result, some 260,000 people are left without access to WASH services while 200,000 people remain without adequate shelter and NFIs.
Inaddition, the laboratory sample collection program, serving 250,000 individuals monthly, primarily those with HIV and TB, has been abruptly halted.
Post-cyclone needs and gaps persist. The first assessments conducted since March in Lalaua and Muecate districts in Nampula revealed that a combined 70,000 people were affected by the cyclones but have not received assistance since March.
Severe infrastructure damage was noted, including a destroyed maternity ward that delivers an average of 136 births per month, and 117 unrepaired schools impacting 108,000 students.
Additionally, some 6,500 people affected by the cyclones in
March remain displaced in Mossuril and Ilha de Moçambique districts (Nampula
province) because their areas of origin remain flooded. Due to funding
constraints, the affected people have not received adequate assistance.
The conflict continues to impact the protection needs of people. In early 2025, Cabo Delgado saw a 22 per cent rise in reported GBV cases compared to 2024, due to improved reporting and growing awareness but also underscores the gender-specific impact of the conflict.
About 120 children were abducted in Cabo Delgado since May, according to Human Rights Watch, and are forced into labor, early marriage or combat roles. About 300 individuals have been abducted since January.
Government have facilitated returns in Macomia, Metuge, and Montepuez in Cabo Delgado, and recently in Mecula, Niassa, largely driven by inadequate humanitarian assistance and overcrowding in IDP sites.
The returnees have found nothing in their areas of origin as their homes, agricultural plots and livelihoods were destroyed and basic services have not been restored. Those who opted for resettlement found the proposed sites lacking in essential services. The lack of response to returns heightens vulnerabilities and protection risks.
Widespread food insecurity persists in Cabo Delgado: According
to WFP's 2025 Lean Season Assessment in Cabo Delgado, 80 per cent of households
identify food as their top priority need. While overall food insecurity fell
from 65 per cent in 2024 to 53 per cent in 2025, the impact of Cyclones
especially in Chiúre, Mecúfi, Pemba, and Metuge remain severe highlighting the
urgent need for scaled-up support. (OCHA)
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