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European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations
mozambique
© WFP/Falume Bachir, 2020
Mozambique

Introduction

Despite recent improvements, the security situation in Cabo Delgado, Northern Mozambique, remains volatile. Over 2 million people still require life-saving and life-sustaining humanitarian assistance.

Civilians continue to bear the brunt of the armed violence. Conflict-affected populations suffer from lack of food and water, inadequate sanitation and health services, insufficient shelter, and numerous protection risks.

Moreover, natural multi-hazards, which are increasingly frequent and violent, exacerbate food insecurity and livelihood of the country population.

What are the needs?

Since the beginning of the year, security in several areas in Cabo Delgado previously held by armed groups has improved. This has allowed many internally displaced persons to return to their areas of origin. These areas were already underserved before the conflict.

While attacks from non-state armed groups are still occurring, returns should be voluntary and dignified. They should only take place when security and safety conditions are met and services are available.

A woman carrying goods on her head walking on a sandy road. Some small houses in the background.
© European Union, 2021

Humanitarian needs in Northern Mozambique are overwhelming. Some 2 million people require protection, food assistance, health and nutrition services, education, water and sanitation and shelter.

Over 3.5 million people are currently facing severe food insecurity in the country. A third of them are in Northern Mozambique.

Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine remains a concern with its impact on rise of food prices and inflation.

Climate change increases the recurrence and intensity of natural hazards, including floods, cyclones and droughts.

In February 2023, Tropical Cyclone Freddy caused heavy rains and flooding and almost 200 deaths, affecting nearly 1.1 million people and further worsening the country’s cholera outbreak. The predicted El Niño conditions in 2023-2024 might worsen the humanitarian situation.

Map of Mozambique

How are we helping?

In 2023, the EU made an initial allocation of €25 million in humanitarian assistance. The assistance is directed to the most vulnerable people affected by armed violence in the northern part of the country, including the internally displaced people and their host communities.

In March 2023, the EU provided an additional €1.5 million in emergency humanitarian funding to assist those most affected by Tropical Cyclone Freddy.

Through a multi-sectoral approach, the EU humanitarian funding helps provide protection services; shelter and non-food items; drinkable water, sanitation and hygiene (water and sanitation); food and nutrition assistance; logistics; and education in emergencies.

Group of children around a water pump.
© European Union, 2021

The EU also maintains its support towards enhancing disaster preparedness in the country. Preparedness and prompt action can reduce the impact of natural hazards and help save lives and livelihoods.

To this end, the EU supports actions that enhance the capacity of communities to deal with disasters. We also support local and national disaster management authorities in preparing for and responding to disasters.

The EU also supports disaster preparedness in schools, through safe learning facilities, training teachers in early warning and by teaching children how to stay safe.

Building on lessons learned during last year’s floods, the European Commission also worked on strategic emergency stock prepositioning to facilitate and speed up the response to natural hazards.

Group of aid workers walking on a road towards a small village.
Visit to an education project in Mieze, Mozambique
© European Union (photographer: Béatrice Miège)

Several EU-funded projects use technology and innovative approaches. For example, drones were used to map high-risk areas in the response to Tropical Cyclone Freddy. Mobile text messages were also used to warn communities of impending dangers, allowing communities to provide information to the disaster management authorities.

The EU is implementing an integrated approach to respond to the multi-dimensional needs of the populations affected by the armed violence and address the root causes of the Cabo Delgado crisis. This approach sets out humanitarian, development, peacebuilding and security actions in the short, medium and longer term, while complying with international humanitarian law, human rights and the rule of law.

Last updated: 16/11/2023

Facts & figures

About 2 million people require life-saving and life-sustaining humanitarian assistance and protection (UN OCHA)

Over 3.5 million people face severe food insecurity, including 1.15 million conflict-affected people in northern Mozambique

Nearly 1 million people displaced by violence in Cabo Delgado (UNHCR)

EU humanitarian funding:
€26.5 million in 2023
Over €28 million in 2022