NEWS QUOTE: Over 55,000 Children Newly Displaced in Mozambique in Past Fortnight After Series of Violent Attacks

MAPUTO (Dec. 4, 2025)—A series of attacks by armed groups in Nampula, northern Mozambique, have forced over 82,000 people, including 55,000 children, to flee from their homes in recent weeks, worsening an already devastating humanitarian crisis, said Save the Children.

Ilaria Manunza, Save the Children's Country Director in Mozambique, said: 

"Our staff in Nampula are reporting families fleeing attacks in Memba district arriving in Erati district extremely distressed, with many forced out of their homes with just the clothes on their backs. Some have witnessed horrific violence that no one should ever have to witness, and many are arriving exhausted, having walked for up to five days without basic provisions.

"There has been a widespread loss of civil documentation—making it difficult to link family members together or enroll people into basic services. Displacement sites are now severely congested, and families are occupying classrooms, makeshift tents, and open spaces, with a lack of toilets and basic sanitation, exposing them to rain and diseases including cholera and malaria.

"Save the Children staff are now supporting several unaccompanied and separated children, and children who have suffered grave violations including abduction, recruitment and use by armed groups. Children represent 67% of the displaced population, underscoring the extreme child protection implications of the crisis.

"The situation is, in short, a nightmare. However, despite these alarming figures, the situation is being underreported, as continued population movements, insecurity, and access constraints prevent full verification in remote and recently affected communities. The humanitarian response also remains extremely limited, with very few operational partners present on the ground, due to a lack of aid funds.

"Many of these families are experiencing multiple displacements, pushing them beyond the breaking point. Families no longer believe timely support will reach them. The little food currently being distributed will last only a few days and all humanitarian stocks pre-positioned in the country for the upcoming cyclone season are now depleted.

"Save the Children has significantly scaled up its emergency response in Erati District, with interventions focused on child protection, education in emergencies, and water, hygiene and sanitation. However, there is an urgent need for more resources, and we call on the international community to support children and families in Mozambique who desperately need the basics to survive this latest crisis."

Now in its eighth year with no immediate end in sight, the conflict in northern Mozambique has taken a devastating toll on children growing up in the region. The ongoing conflicts have led to large-scale displacement, coupled with weakened infrastructure, making it difficult to access basic services like water, education, sanitation, and healthcare. Malnutrition is also a significant concern, with many children experiencing food insecurity.   

Save the Children has been working in Mozambique since 1986, providing support to children through our development and humanitarian programs. We work with communities, local partners, and the government to design and deliver programs to meet the needs of the most deprived children. We also advocate for greater investment of public and private resources for children.

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