Poverty, lack of basic services, unemployment, inequality in the distribution of benefits derived from natural resources, and alleged human rights violations are among the main factors that continue to create favourable conditions for the recruitment and expansion of extremist groups in northern Mozambique.
The observation was made by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, Ben Saul, who conducted an official mission to Mozambique from 4 to 14 August 2026.
In his end-of-mission statement in Maputo, the UN expert warned that, although progress has been recorded in recovering some areas affected by the conflict and in the return of some displaced populations, the security situation remains fragile and structural factors continue to fuel violence.
According to Ben Saul, extremist groups have exploited existing social and economic problems, particularly within vulnerable communities. The factors identified include poverty, inadequate basic services, lack of infrastructure, limited economic opportunities, and a perception of historical neglect by the State.
The unequal distribution of benefits arising from the exploitation of natural resources, including gas, minerals and timber, is also identified as a source of discontent.
For the UN, these conditions can be exploited by extremist groups to present themselves to vulnerable young people as an alternative source of belonging, recognition and power.
In addition to economic factors, the assessment identifies corruption, land ownership and use disputes, lack of trust in public institutions, and tensions between ethnic and religious communities as elements that can be exploited by armed groups.
Recruitment does not occur solely through ideological arguments. According to Ben Saul’s assessment, extremists also resort to abductions, coercion and manipulation, seeking to persuade or force young people to join their ranks.
“Religious extremists (including foreign influences) have recruited by exploiting grievances such as poverty, inadequate basic services and infrastructure, limited economic opportunities, perceptions of historical neglect by the State and the unequal distribution of benefits from the exploitation of natural resources [...] corruption; land disputes; human rights violations by the State in the context of counter-terrorism [...] lack of trust in State institutions; and ethnic and religious tensions between communities.” (MozaNorte)
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