The conflict in Cabo Delgado is fueled by a combination of socio-economic factors and the exploitation of natural resources. The region is among the poorest in Mozambique, despite its abundance of gas and mineral wealth, which has increased feelings of frustration among various segments of the local population. Since 2017, non-state armed groups—locally known as Al‑Shabaab (with no direct ties to the Somali group of the same name)—have carried out violent attacks against civilians and infrastructure, taking advantage of institutional gaps and high youth unemployment to recruit followers.
In recent months, the province of Cabo Delgado in northern Mozambique has experienced an unprecedented surge in armed violence, with serious consequences for the local healthcare system.
According to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, May 2025 marked the highest level of violence since June 2022, with over 134,000 people affected. These incidents also include direct attacks on the civilian population.
The intensification of the conflict has made access to health centers and medicines extremely difficult. Many villages are isolated, and humanitarian teams report increasing challenges in the mobility and safety of their personnel. The destruction of infrastructure and the disruption of road networks further hinder the ability to deliver timely care.
This is compounded by the precarious state of internal resources. The country relies heavily on external aid to supply medicines and healthcare workers, with a public health system that serves only about half of the population, even less in remote areas.
Organizations such as Médecins Sans Frontières have been active in the region since 2019, managing community health services and supporting local health centers. However, in the current context of insecurity, their activities are repeatedly disrupted and delayed. Other humanitarian partners also report limited access to affected areas, with around 2,000 displaced people recently relocated to Mecula in Niassa province.
Authorities and field workers are raising alarms about an imminent healthcare collapse. The lack of security is undermining vaccination efforts and the treatment of chronic diseases, potentially leading to epidemic outbreaks. Strengthening civilian protection and ensuring safe humanitarian corridors has become an urgent priority.
The renewed wave of violence in Cabo Delgado is not only a security crisis but also a public health emergency. Ensuring access to healthcare has become imperative to prevent a broader humanitarian disaster. A coordinated approach is needed, one that combines targeted military responses, civilian protection, and robust support for the local healthcare system, through the collaboration of governments, international agencies, and NGOs.
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