MozambiqueTravel Northern Mozambique Travel Risks Rise as Attacks Spread in Third Quarter
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports a 28% rise in security incidents across Cabo Delgado, Niassa and Nampula in 2026. Road attacks, compulsory armed escorts and an airfield closure are restricting movement in the north.
Security incidents in Mozambique's northern provinces rose steadily through 2026, and the third quarter brought new restrictions on roads and air travel, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Its access snapshot for Cabo Delgado, Niassa and Nampula covers July to September 2026 and points to growing risks for anyone moving through the region.
Key facts
- Incidents rose from 192 in Q1 to 213 in Q2 and 245 in Q3 — a 28% overall increase.
- Nearly four in five Q3 incidents involved violence against civilians; 379 people were reportedly abducted.
- Mocímboa da Praia district airfield closed on 21 August, forcing a shift to Palma and Mueda.
- UNHAS flights to Ibo have been suspended since 15 February 2026 because of runway conditions.
- Armed escorts were still compulsory in September on the Macomia–Mocímboa da Praia section of the N380.
Where did violence spread?
OCHA recorded non-State armed group movements and attacks in Macomia, Quissanga, Meluco, Ancuabe, Chiúre, Montepuez, Muidumbe, Mocímboa da Praia and Nangade districts, with activity apparently spreading from the Catupa area of Macomia into neighbouring districts. In August an attack in Balama district destroyed homes, and five fishermen were reportedly killed in Litamanda, Macomia district.
In September the insecurity reached beyond Cabo Delgado, with an attack reported in Marrupa District, Niassa province, causing temporary displacement and disrupting services and communications. A vehicle was also reportedly hijacked by non-State armed groups in Marrupa.
What are the road risks?
Abductions, kidnappings and ransom-related incidents occurred throughout the third quarter, affecting civilians, transport operators, farmers, miners and fishermen. Incidents were reported along key corridors including the N380 between Mocímboa da Praia and Muidumbe and the R698 between Mueda and Montepuez, as well as in Macomia, Quissanga, Montepuez, Meluco and Nangade.
A convoy was attacked on the N380 between Muidumbe and Mocímboa da Praia, and abductions and ransom demands were reported on the R698 between Montepuez and Mueda. Movement was also restricted on the Mueda–Nangade and Mahate–Quissanga roads. In September, armed escorts remained compulsory on the Macomia–Mocímboa da Praia section of the N380; escorts had been reintroduced on the Ancuabe–Macomia route in July before exemptions were negotiated.
What is happening with air travel?
The closure of Mocímboa da Praia airfield on 21 August pushed air access to Palma and Mueda, followed by road travel on the R762 and N380, which increased journey times, costs and exposure to insecurity. UNHAS operations to Ibo stayed suspended throughout the third quarter because the runway was unsuitable; that suspension began on 15 February 2026. OCHA also reports six explosive-hazard incidents in Macomia, Nangade and Mocímboa da Praia, including a fatal incident involving a woman collecting water in Mbau, and warns that poor roads and the coming rainy season risk further isolating remote communities.
What documents and permits are being flagged?
Humanitarian partners reported delays in obtaining operational credentials in Muidumbe and Palma districts, and one international NGO temporarily suspended services after being denied provincial credentials. Partners also flagged high visa costs — MZN 85,000 for three months — along with a one-time renewal limit.
What this means for travellers
Anyone considering movement through Cabo Delgado, Niassa or Nampula should note the reported road attacks and abductions on the N380 and R698, the compulsory armed escort on the Macomia–Mocímboa da Praia stretch of the N380, and the closure of Mocímboa da Praia airfield. Flights to Ibo remain suspended, so routes to that area depend on alternative airfields and road links with longer journey times.
OCHA notes that reports of interference in beneficiary selection in some areas remain unverified. No further changes to travel rules have been announced in the snapshot.