Cabo Delgado Conflict Live Tracker Map 2026

Conflict Location

Intelligence Summary

MEDIUM

Severity

Insurgency

Type

1

Headlines (48h)

1292h

Last Updated

Current Status

ongoing

Situation 2026

Active armed conflict between the Mozambican Armed Forces (FADM) and ISIS-Mozambique continues with periodic attacks on civilians, military installations, and infrastructure. The insurgents employ hit-and-run tactics, ambushes, and raids in rural areas. The FADM, supported by regional partners including Rwanda and private military contractors, conducts counter-insurgency operations. Violence remains volatile with fluctuating intensity, characterized by cycles of offensive military operations followed by insurgent attacks.

Background

Cabo Delgado province in northern Mozambique has experienced an armed insurgency since 2017, primarily driven by the Islamic State-affiliated group ISIS-Mozambique (also known as ISIS-Central Africa Province or ISCAP). The conflict emerged in one of Africa's poorest regions with significant natural gas reserves. Root causes include marginalization, poverty, youth unemployment, and weak governance, which facilitated radicalization and recruitment by extremist groups.

Humanitarian Impact

The conflict has displaced over 700,000 people internally, with many fleeing to other provinces or neighboring countries including Tanzania. Humanitarian access is severely restricted in conflict zones. Widespread food insecurity, inadequate healthcare access, malnutrition, and disease outbreaks affect the displaced population and remaining civilians. Sexual violence and forced recruitment have been documented. Educational infrastructure has been destroyed, disrupting schooling for hundreds of thousands of children.

Outlook

The conflict trajectory remains uncertain. While military operations have degraded insurgent capabilities, ISIS-Mozambique maintains operational capacity and territorial presence. Stabilization is hampered by limited civilian government capacity, corruption, and socioeconomic grievances. International military support may sustain FADM operations but risks escalation. Long-term resolution requires addressing root causes including development, governance reform, and youth employment alongside military counter-terrorism efforts.

Key Actors

FADM (Mozambican Armed Forces)ISIS-Mozambique (Islamic State-Central Africa Province/ISCAP)Government of MozambiqueRwanda (military support)Tanzania (border state, displaced persons)Private military contractorsUnited Nations agenciesInternational NGOsLocal civil society organizations

Latest Headlines

MSF responds to displacement crisis in Northern Mozambique - MSF Southern Africa

Google News · 14h ago

Conflict Timeline

2017-10-05

Initial insurgent attacks

Armed group later identified as Islamic State of Mozambique (ISGS) launched first coordinated attacks in Cabo Delgado province. Attacks targeted police stations and military installations in Mocímboa da Praia.

2018-06-01

ISGS formally emerges

Islamic State of Mozambique publicly claimed responsibility for attacks and declared affiliation with ISIS. Group escalated operations across northern Cabo Delgado region with increasing sophistication.

2020-03-23

FADM launches major offensive

Mozambique Armed Forces began large-scale military operation to retake Mocímboa da Praia from ISGS control. Operation involved air strikes and ground forces deployment across the region.

2020-08-06

Mocímboa da Praia temporarily reclaimed

FADM forces retook Mocímboa da Praia after months of fighting, though ISGS retained presence in surrounding areas. Victory was considered temporary as insurgents regrouped in remote locations.

2021-01-01

Insurgent resurgence begins

ISGS launched renewed offensive with attacks on towns and villages across Cabo Delgado province. Insurgents demonstrated improved tactics and coordination despite military operations.

2021-07-10

SADC military intervention deployment

Southern African Development Community forces arrived in Mozambique to support FADM operations. Intervention marked regional escalation with troops from Tanzania, Malawi, and Botswana.

2023-10-15

Partial ceasefire agreement

Mozambique government and armed groups reached tentative ceasefire agreement following peace negotiations. Agreement remained fragile with sporadic clashes continuing in remote areas.

2024-10-01

Conflict remains unresolved

As of October 2024, ISGS continues insurgency despite combined FADM-SADC operations and ceasefire attempts. Over 4,000 deaths reported with 700,000+ internally displaced since 2017.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Mozambique – Cabo Delgado?

Cabo Delgado province in northern Mozambique has experienced an armed insurgency since 2017, primarily driven by the Islamic State-affiliated group ISIS-Mozambique (also known as ISIS-Central Africa Province or ISCAP). The conflict emerged in one of Africa's poorest regions with significant natural gas reserves. Root causes include marginalization, poverty, youth unemployment, and weak governance, which facilitated radicalization and recruitment by extremist groups.

Who are the parties involved in the Mozambique – Cabo Delgado?

The main parties are FADM vs ISGS affiliate. ongoing

What is the current situation in the Mozambique – Cabo Delgado?

Active armed conflict between the Mozambican Armed Forces (FADM) and ISIS-Mozambique continues with periodic attacks on civilians, military installations, and infrastructure. The insurgents employ hit-and-run tactics, ambushes, and raids in rural areas. The FADM, supported by regional partners including Rwanda and private military contractors, conducts counter-insurgency operations. Violence remains volatile with fluctuating intensity, characterized by cycles of offensive military operations followed by insurgent attacks.

What is the humanitarian impact of the Mozambique – Cabo Delgado?

The conflict has displaced over 700,000 people internally, with many fleeing to other provinces or neighboring countries including Tanzania. Humanitarian access is severely restricted in conflict zones. Widespread food insecurity, inadequate healthcare access, malnutrition, and disease outbreaks affect the displaced population and remaining civilians. Sexual violence and forced recruitment have been documented. Educational infrastructure has been destroyed, disrupting schooling for hundreds of thousands of children.

What is the outlook for the Mozambique – Cabo Delgado?

The conflict trajectory remains uncertain. While military operations have degraded insurgent capabilities, ISIS-Mozambique maintains operational capacity and territorial presence. Stabilization is hampered by limited civilian government capacity, corruption, and socioeconomic grievances. International military support may sustain FADM operations but risks escalation. Long-term resolution requires addressing root causes including development, governance reform, and youth employment alongside military counter-terrorism efforts.

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