Following insecurity in Nampula - More than 700 displaced families in northern Mozambique supported by World Vision

By Antonio Massipa, Regional Communications and Advocacy Coordinator

More than 3,600 internally displaced people in northern Mozambique have recently received hygiene kits, with food assistance distributed as part of World Vision’s response to the humanitarian crisis caused by the armed attacks of November 2025 in Memba District, Nampula Province. The violence forced thousands of families to flee their homes with little warning, seeking safety in already overstretched host communities.

The situation in Memba reflects the deepening of a long-running conflict that began in 2017 in Mocimboa da Praia, Cabo Delgado Province, and has since spread across parts of northern Mozambique. Ongoing insecurity has led to repeated displacement, loss of livelihoods and increased risks for children, women and older people, leaving many families struggling to meet even their most basic needs.

World Vision has maintained a long-term presence in northern Mozambique, including in Memba District. However, during the height of violence in November, the organisation was forced to temporarily suspend field operations to protect staff and communities. As security conditions stabilised, World Vision safely resumed its humanitarian response, reaffirming its commitment to stand with children and families affected by the crisis.

This response builds on years of sustained humanitarian engagement. Following the attack on Palma in 2021, World Vision declared a humanitarian emergency and launched global appeals to support large-scale displacement, prioritising life-saving assistance and child protection in areas such as Pemba and Chiúre.

In May 2024, renewed violence led the organisation to scale up its response to reach 125,000 people, while insecurity simultaneously forced the suspension of activities and withdrawal of teams in some districts due to direct attacks on humanitarian workers and the seizure of relief supplies.

Presently, World Vision’s intervention in Memba focuses on improving access to basic sanitation and reducing food insecurity among displaced families, many of whom lost all their possessions while fleeing violence. The assistance includes essential hygiene items and staple food supplies, helping to protect children from disease and supporting families’ immediate survival.

This two-month humanitarian intervention, explains Paulino Siquisse, Project Coordinator, aims to enable 720 families to gradually “resume their normal lives and restore their dignity.”

Among those receiving support is Anita, who was among the displaced.

“I fled Mazua because of the attacks. I am grateful for what World Vision has done. It may seem small, but it will help us survive and meet some of our needs. I hope the support continues,” she said.

Despite ongoing insecurity, World Vision remains committed to protecting children and supporting families affected by conflict, working closely with local partners and communities to address urgent needs while strengthening resilience for the future.