The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) estimates that a total of 6,418 people have been killed since the beginning of terrorist attacks in 2017, involving Islamic State extremists operating in Cabo Delgado province, northern Mozambique.
“Of the 2,298 violent events recorded, 2,133 involved elements associated with Islamic State Mozambique. Political violence in the northern part of the country declined significantly at the end of 2025, with December marking the peak of the rainy season, which restricts the mobility of both terrorists and state forces, consequently reducing operational capacity,” the organisation reported.
According to a report cited by Lusa, the institution clarified that “despite this seasonal decline, state forces—both Mozambican and Rwandan—engaged with Islamic State along the coast and inland, indicating a renewed seriousness in confronting the group.”
Last year, the President of the Republic, Daniel Chapo, stressed the need for continuous reform of the national defence strategy, emphasising that Mozambique’s security depends on institutions capable of producing knowledge and training highly qualified personnel to combat various crimes.
Cited by the Mozambican News Agency, the head of state reiterated the call for vigilance and readiness of the Defence and Security Forces (FDS) in the face of terrorism still active in Cabo Delgado, highlighting the central role of scientific production in state protection.
“The increasing complexity of regional threats requires regular analyses and consistent research. Educational and research institutions must remain vigilant and ready to formulate national strategic thinking. A direct link must be established between the quality of training and operational response capability on the ground,” Chapo said.
According to the president, national defence is a cross-cutting responsibility involving all parties, including civilians, companies, communities, and economic and social sectors, warning that the country needs professionals capable of early risk signal interpretation.
Regarding the situation in Cabo Delgado, Daniel Chapo rejects any premature victory narratives, although he acknowledges progress: “Stabilisation has allowed significant economic advances, including the lifting of the ‘force majeure’ clause by TotalEnergies.”
Since October 2017, Cabo Delgado—a province rich in natural resources, particularly gas—has been the scene of an armed insurgency that has already caused thousands of deaths and triggered a humanitarian crisis with over one million internally displaced persons.
In April, attacks also spread to the neighbouring Niassa province. One of the most severe incidents occurred at the Niassa Reserve and the Mariri Environmental Centre, in the Mecula district, where non-state armed groups attacked facilities, stole property, destroyed camps, and a park aircraft. These acts resulted in the deaths of at least two people and displaced over two thousand individuals, of whom 55% were children.
