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Mozambique (Cabo Delgado)

Medium intensity · Islamist insurgency · IS-linked militants vs state & SADC/Rwanda · Reviewed 23 Aug 2026

Conflict map

Approximate theatre focus. Not a control-line map.

Current status

Medium-intensity Islamic State-linked insurgency continues in Cabo Delgado and adjacent areas. Rwandan and SADC-linked forces support Maputo. Civilians face displacement and access constraints; LNG and coastal security remain sensitive.

Key parties

  • Islamic State-linked militants (local Ahlu Sunnah Wa-Jama / IS Mozambique)
  • Mozambican armed forces
  • Rwandan and regional partner forces

Selected timeline

2017
Insurgency begins in Cabo Delgado
2021
Palma attack shocks LNG projects
2021–23
Rwandan/SADC deployments
2024–25
Dispersed attacks continue inland and coastal
2026
Medium intensity; not extinguished
IntensityDesk assessment: Medium — enduring northern insurgency
DisplacementIOM and UN partners report repeated displacement waves in Cabo Delgado
Desk noteRemote area — many claims need satellite or second-source checks
Developing

Northern attack reports

Local and security sources periodically report raids on villages or posts. Confirm geography before publishing scale claims.

Local / OSINT

Confirmed

Insurgency and partner ops ongoing

Mozambican and partner statements, plus UN humanitarian updates, confirm that Cabo Delgado insecurity has not ended.

Official / UN