Bishop warns of escalating violence in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado as insurgent attacks displace thousands and deepen humanitarian crisis.
Newsroom (14/05/2026 Gaudium Press ) Violence in northern Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado Province is intensifying, with repeated Islamist insurgent attacks leaving civilians dead, communities destroyed, and nearly a million people displaced. Catholic Bishop Osório Citora Afonso of the Diocese of Quelimane has issued a stark warning, describing a deteriorating situation marked by fear, instability, and humanitarian hardship.
In comments to Agenzia Fides on May 12, Bishop Afonso said the conflict shows no signs of abating, with insurgents striking repeatedly in the same locations. “The situation seems out of control. The attacks continue, always in the same areas, and the population is terrified,” he said, underscoring the persistent insecurity gripping the region.
Civilians Bear the Brunt of Violence
According to the bishop, the human toll extends beyond headline figures, with vulnerable groups such as women and Christians experiencing particular hardship. He highlighted the severity of conditions faced by women, noting that the full extent of suffering often goes underreported.
“Women, in particular, are experiencing very difficult situations. Beyond what is reported in the news, the destruction continues; there are many victims and Christians who have been killed,” Bishop Afonso explained, appealing to the global community for solidarity and prayer.
The violence has affected multiple districts across Cabo Delgado, including Nangade, Mocímboa da Praia, Ancuabe, and Macomia. Attacks have also spread into southern areas, targeting civilians, soldiers, missionaries, and miners. In the Namacuili region alone, at least four people were reported killed in recent incidents.
A Conflict Rooted in 2017 Insurgency
The crisis traces back to October 2017, when armed Islamist groups launched coordinated assaults on police stations and government facilities in Mocímboa da Praia. Since then, the insurgency—linked to the Islamic State and locally referred to as Al-Shabab—has escalated into one of southern Africa’s most severe security challenges.
The impact has been devastating. According to Human Rights Watch, more than 946,000 people have been internally displaced as attacks forced entire communities to flee their homes. The insurgency has also left a trail of destruction, wiping out infrastructure, livelihoods, and access to basic services.
Compounding Humanitarian Challenges
Beyond the direct impact of violence, Cabo Delgado faces additional humanitarian pressures. Agenzia Fides reports that recurring floods have compounded the suffering of already vulnerable communities. The combination of terrorism and environmental disasters has created a complex emergency, stretching local and international response capacities.
Displaced families often find themselves living in precarious conditions, lacking adequate shelter, food, healthcare, and security. The overlapping crises have further eroded resilience in a region already struggling with poverty and limited infrastructure.
Church Calls for Peace and Solidarity
The Catholic Church in Mozambique has been a consistent voice calling attention to the crisis. Bishops have repeatedly condemned attacks on civilians and expressed solidarity with affected communities.
Members of the Episcopal Conference of Mozambique (CEM) have emphasized the need for hope, peace, and national unity. They have also urged continued support for displaced populations striving to rebuild their lives amid ongoing instability.
Bishop Afonso’s latest appeal reinforces this message, highlighting both the urgency of the situation and the human cost of inaction. His call for prayer is also a broader appeal for international awareness and engagement.
A Region in Need of Urgent Attention
As the conflict drags on into its ninth year, the situation in Cabo Delgado remains precarious. The persistence of attacks, combined with displacement and compounded humanitarian challenges, suggests a crisis far from resolution.
For the communities caught in the crossfire, daily life continues under the shadow of violence. For church leaders like Bishop Afonso, the priority remains clear: drawing global attention to a conflict that has already reshaped the lives of hundreds of thousands, and urging action to restore peace and dignity to a deeply affected region.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from ACI Africa
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