Paola Emerson, Head of Office at the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Mozambique, told reporters that villagers are fleeing after attacks leave homes burned and destroyed, while others flee out of fear as neighbouring areas come under threat. The UN says around 107,000 people have fled Nampula city alone as violence spreads, with a total of 330,000 displaced in the last four months.
Emerson described the latest wave in Nampula as unusual, noting that attacks by non state armed groups have continued for weeks, whereas in the past they struck quickly before withdrawing. UNICEF also reported renewed violence in Cabo Delgado’s Palma District for the first time since 2021, including killings of civilians across multiple districts and targeted assaults on security forces.
OCHA warned that food stocks and medical supplies are running dangerously low. Only about 40 percent of those displaced have received enough food for the coming two weeks. Emerson said this support remains “woefully inadequate,” adding that the lack of aid is forcing some families to return to unsafe areas despite ongoing security risks.