Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
October 7, 2025 Peace and security
Renewed fighting in Cabo Delgado Province in northern Mozambique has forced 22,000 people to flee their homes in just one week, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) warned on Tuesday.
The conflict in Cabo Delgado began in 2017. It is waged by armed groups known locally as al-Shabaab, which is unrelated to the Somali movement of the same name. The violence has led to a severe crisis, exacerbated by recurring cyclones, floods, and droughts.
For the first time since the fighting began, all 17 districts of Cabo Delgado were affected. In 2025, more than 100,000 local residents were forced to flee their homes. In total, according to UNHCR, more than 1.3 million people have been displaced, many of whom have fled their homes multiple times. Some of those who previously hosted displaced people are now forced to flee themselves.
Civilians continue to be targeted, with reports of killings, abductions and sexual violence, and children face the risk of forced recruitment to fight.
Women and girls at greatest risk
Women and girls are particularly vulnerable, for example when collecting water or firewood, while people with disabilities and older people are often unable to escape danger. Many have experienced severe trauma and urgently need psychosocial support, UNHCR added.
Violence has increased sharply this year, with more than 500 incidents recorded by August – more than during peak periods in 2022. Violence has included assaults, kidnappings, and destruction of homes and infrastructure.
The healthcare system is on the brink of collapse.
The humanitarian consequences of the crisis are compounded by the virtual collapse of the healthcare system in the north of the country. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 60 percent of healthcare facilities in the worst-hit areas are non-functional due to insecurity, looting, and the displacement of staff.
Vital services, including maternity care, HIV treatment and emergency services, have been critically disrupted.
In the city of Mocimboa da Praia, the only hospital has less than 10 percent of its staff – mostly volunteers trying to keep the emergency department and maternity ward open.
Humanitarian organizations are warning of a growing threat of disease spread, with the onset of the rainy season expected to see an increase in cases of malaria and cholera.
Acute lack of funding
This year's health sector response plan is only 11 percent funded, leading to critical shortages of essential medicines.
UNHCR also faces a significant funding shortfall: of the $352 million needed, the agency has received only $66 million. This severely limits its response capacity, while needs are only growing.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
