Armed attacks in Ancuabe trigger new wave of displacement affecting 4,254 people and 1,619 families

Ancuabe, Cabo Delgado — Between 1 and 5 May 2026, attacks and fear of further violence carried out by Non-State Armed Groups (NSAGs) triggered new population displacements in Ancuabe district, Cabo Delgado province.

According to data from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the incidents followed coordinated attacks reported on 30 April in the localities of Muaja, Nacole, and Minheuene. The attacks involved looting, destruction of civilian infrastructure, abductions, and heightened protection risks for local communities.

Humanitarian authorities reported that some displaced families have returned to their areas of origin, while many others continue to seek refuge in host communities and displacement sites across the district.

Muaja village received the largest number of newly displaced people, hosting 280 families, equivalent to 1,213 individuals displaced from Minheuene. In Majasse village, 20 families totaling 132 individuals arrived from Nacole, while Nsanja village received 15 families, equivalent to 90 individuals from the same area.

At the Marocani displacement site, three additional families comprising 10 individuals displaced from Nacole were also registered.

Earlier displacement movements were also recorded, including 602 families  representing 1,476 individuals who arrived in Nanjua A from Nacole and Minheuene. Further movements from Minheuene were reported to Milamba 2 site, which received 40 families (310 individuals), and Milamba Expansão, where three families totaling 11 individuals arrived.

Protection organizations operating on the ground have raised concerns over increasing humanitarian risks, including family separation, gender-based violence, loss of personal documentation, and psychosocial distress among affected populations.

The security situation in Ancuabe remains volatile, with reports of continued armed group activity, including an incident in Maremano village, in Mesa administrative post, raising fears of a possible expansion of attacks to other parts of the district.

Recent figures indicate that Ancuabe district remains among the areas most affected by insecurity in Cabo Delgado, with thousands displaced since 2025 due to the activities of insurgent armed groups. (Mozanorte)