More than 300,000 people have been newly displaced in Mozambique since July due to the expanding Islamic State insurgency, raising concerns about the government's ability to resolve the conflict. The ongoing violence has added to the already dire humanitarian crisis, with over 1 million people displaced in total, many having been forced to flee multiple times.

The insurgency, led by Islamic State-Mozambique, an affiliate of the main IS group in the Middle East, began in October 2017 with attacks in Mocímboa da Praia in Cabo Delgado province, located in the northeast of the country. The group initially drew recruits from disaffected local youth, exploiting grievances related to poverty, inequality, and lack of opportunities in the region. Cabo Delgado is rich in natural resources, including natural gas and rubies, but the local population has seen little benefit from this wealth.

The conflict has been marked by increasing violence against civilians, including beheadings, kidnappings, and the destruction of villages. The United Nations and human rights organizations have documented widespread human rights abuses committed by both the insurgents and government forces. The situation is further complicated by the involvement of foreign actors, including a Rwandan military intervention that has had limited success in quelling the insurgency.

The crisis in Mozambique has received comparatively little international attention, overshadowed by conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan. This has resulted in a decline in foreign aid, exacerbating the challenges faced by humanitarian organizations in providing assistance to the displaced population. The lack of international focus also allows the conflict to fester, potentially destabilizing the wider region.

Neither the Mozambican army nor the Rwandan intervention have managed to fully contain the insurgency. Analysts suggest that a more comprehensive approach is needed, addressing the root causes of the conflict, including poverty, inequality, and lack of governance. There are growing calls for increased international support, not only in terms of humanitarian aid but also in terms of development assistance and security cooperation. The future remains uncertain for the displaced population, with many living in overcrowded camps and relying on humanitarian assistance for survival.