Continued conflict in Mozambique disrupts lives of families and communities

For thousands of people in northern Mozambique, 2026 did not dawn with the usual excitement of a new year. At the end of 2025, violent insurgent attacks continued to plague the region, leading to mass displacement.

More than twenty-two thousand families were forced to flee their homes in search of safety after a series of attacks by non‑State armed groups (NSAG) in Nampula Province between November and December 2025.

The attacks began on 13 November in Mecula village, in the Memba District, Nampula Province, and continued until 15 November. They then later spread to other areas, including Mazua and Pavala. The insurgents reportedly carried out killings, beatings, decapitations, and widespread arson, destroying hundreds of homes and burning down the Baptist Union Church in Mecula. At least 10 people were killed, and an estimated 12,000 residents were displaced in the Memba attacks, including around 3,000 Christians. 

Widespread loss and uncertainty

Hundreds are missing in the aftermath of the attacks and families have no way of finding them, or knowing if they are dead or alive. “My husband disappeared, and until now I have no information about where he is. I am completely lost,” says Josephina.  

“I also lost all my belongings, because I have no one to ask whether anything of mine is still there”

“I have four children and a niece, and all of them were taken by strangers. I don’t know where they were taken to, and I was left only with this baby I am holding in my arms. I also lost all my belongings, because I have no one to ask whether anything of mine is still there. They keep burning everything, and I am confused and helpless. Here where I am staying, I don’t even have clothes—truly nothing. It’s just me and the clothes I arrived in. Even to cook, I borrow utensils from the place where I was sheltered; everything I’m using is from here. I don’t know what I will do if they say we must return to our homes—what will I even find there? ”

Displaced families fled to safer areas such as Nacala-Porto, Nacala-a-Velha, Erati District, Nampula City, and surrounding communities. This sudden and large‑scale displacement has placed immense pressure on host communities and heightened the risk of disease outbreaks, particularly in overcrowded sites where access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene services was limited.

On 10 December, attacks in Pavala, Memba District in Nampula Province, forced hundreds of families to abandon their homes and take refuge on local beaches. More than 200 Christians remained stranded in Pavala, awaiting assistance. Local sources have reported that police officers restricted movement, preventing some displaced people from leaving Memba and forcing others to return to areas considered unsafe.  

Longing for safety and security

Women and children are particularly vulnerable during displacement, falling prey to sexual exploitation. Most, if not all displaced people are severely traumatised because of the level of violence they witnessed or endured, but Christians often bear the brunt as they can be singled out during insurgent attacks.

On top of the emotional impact, the displaced do not receive adequate support to merely survive. 

“We need to farm our fields, the rains have come and we don’t know what will happen to us”

“Here where I am, I am asking for help, because the pastor who welcomed us doesn’t have enough food to care for all of us,” Lena another survivor shared. “This war must end. We are suffering. We left all our belongings behind. We need to farm our fields, the rains have come and we don’t know what will happen to us. So, I ask you, Christians, wherever you sleep or walk, please pray for us so that we may return to our homes and nothing bad may happen to us. Some who went to Maiaia (Nacala-Porto) lost their children; some lost grown children, and we could not cross to that place. We are displaced here along the corridor. We came to the pastor’s house, and he said, ‘Oh, family, rest!’ The pastor gave us a house, and we are grateful.”