Mozambique ranks as the 37th most dangerous country for Christians, who face extreme vulnerability to violence and displacement
Newsroom (10/10/2025, Gaudium Press ) A chilling report by Newsweek has revealed that over 30 Christians were beheaded in northern Mozambique throughout September, underscoring the brutal insurgency waged by Islamist extremists in the region. The attacks, primarily attributed to the Islamic State’s local branch (ISMP), have centered in the provinces of Cabo Delgado and Nampula, where a violent uprising since October 2017 has claimed over 6,000 lives and displaced more than 1.3 million people, according to data from the United Nations and the conflict-monitoring NGO ACLED. Disturbing images circulating online reportedly show militants executing civilians and setting fire to churches and homes.
A Regional Crisis Fueled by Extremism and Resource Conflicts
The insurgency in northern Mozambique is part of a broader wave of Islamist violence across southern Africa. Since 2021, military forces from Rwanda and other African nations have been deployed to support Mozambique’s government in curbing the jihadist threat. However, the region’s instability is compounded by local grievances over poverty and the exploitation of valuable natural resources, including gas and rubies. Construction of a liquefied natural gas terminal in Afungi, previously halted after a 2021 jihadist attack on the nearby town of Palma, is set to resume. President Daniel Chapo has claimed improvements in regional security but acknowledges that terrorism remains a significant challenge.
Mozambique Among the Most Dangerous for Christians
According to Open Doors, a U.S.-based Christian organization, Mozambique ranks as the 37th most dangerous country for Christians, who face extreme vulnerability to violence and displacement. This summer, at least eight districts in Cabo Delgado alone were targeted by extremist raids. Militants attacked villages and set up roadblocks, forcing Christian drivers and passengers to pay exorbitant “tolls” ranging from $150 to $460 to avoid capture. The districts of Chiúre and Macomia saw the highest number of attacks, followed by Ancuabe and Muidumbe. Ongoing insecurity has also delayed humanitarian aid to over 85,000 people in need.
The violence has struck close to home for religious communities. In September 2022, Italian nun Sister Maria De Coppi was killed during a terrorist attack on the Comboni missionary outpost in Chipene, located in Nampula province near the Cabo Delgado border.
A Call for Urgent Action
The escalating brutality in northern Mozambique highlights the urgent need for coordinated international efforts to address both the security crisis and its underlying socio-economic drivers. As extremist groups continue to exploit local vulnerabilities, the international community faces growing pressure to support Mozambique in restoring stability and protecting its most vulnerable populations.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
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