“This conflict feels endless”: Mass displacement surges in northern Mozambique

An invisible crisis in Cabo Delgado

Trapped between conflict and natural disasters, entire communities in Cabo Delgado have endured repeated displacement and ongoing trauma from the loss of their homes and livelihoods. Both displaced families and host communities are struggling to survive. If action is not taken immediately, there is a risk of an even greater humanitarian disaster.

“This crisis cannot remain invisible,” says Sebastian Traficante, MSF head of operations in Mozambique. “The impact of violence shouldn’t be normalized. More lives will be at risk, and the health and dignity of thousands will continue to deteriorate. People need a coordinated, long-term humanitarian commitment that guarantees access to health care and basic services for all.”

The longstanding conflict in Cabo Delgado has left a trail of invisible wounds. Many fear for their lives if they remain in their homes, yet face enormous challenges in accessing basic needs—such as food, shelter, and health care—if they flee. This crisis is unfolding in an already extremely fragile context. Of the 16 health centers in the area, only six remain operational; the rest have been destroyed by either extreme weather events like Cyclone Chido, which struck the province in December 2024, or by armed conflict.

"When the attack happened, I was preparing my harvest for sale,” says Rosalina Maciel, who comes from the village of Ocua and fled after attacks swept through the region. “Then we heard gunshots, and everyone started running. Now, my entire village is gone, everything is ashes. We’re registered here [at the resettlement camp], but we still haven’t received our food. My body is sore from sleeping on the ground, waiting. As soon as I get my food, I’ll go back to my machamba [a small plantation camp]. What else can I do? This conflict feels endless.”

Rosalina’s experience mirrors that of thousands of others uprooted by the recent surge in violence across southern Cabo Delgado. MSF teams have found that the most common symptoms among adults in temporary centers are anxiety and hunger. Like Rosalina, people fear for their uncertain future, not knowing how long they will stay in the resettlement centers, where they might be moved, or what they will eat.

Aid cuts threaten humanitarian response capacities

Organizations responding to medical needs in this emergency have used their remaining funds to support the Ministry of Health and provide assistance. However, due to recent international funding cuts, their presence has been limited, and their interventions are expected to conclude by mid-August. While this support was crucial, MSF was among the first medical organizations to deploy staff in Chiure, launching an emergency intervention on July 31 in the Namicir and Micone neighborhoods.

In coordination with the Ministry of Health, MSF teams are supporting two transit camps for displaced people with primary health care, mental health services, and water and sanitation solutions—measures that are vital to prevent the spread of diseases in overcrowded, makeshift shelters. Thousands of families recently displaced by the violence are arriving in precarious conditions, urgently needing food, shelter, and medical care. At a time when humanitarian aid is under severe pressure, MSF is maintaining its presence to provide lifesaving support to those most affected.

“Thanks to our financial and operational independence, MSF remains present and able to provide emergency medical care, mental health support, and other essential services,” says Sebastian. “But the scale of the crisis far exceeds what any single organization can address alone, as violence and displacement drive needs to unprecedented levels.”

As of August 20, the remaining families in Micone and Namicir are being moved to regular resettlement centers in Chiure town. MSF remains committed to providing care and addressing the needs of people affected by conflict.