MOZAMBIQUE COUNTRY PROFILE
Christians in Mozambique, particularly in Cabo Delgado Province, faced severe persecution including murders, abductions, and destruction of churches as Islamic State-affiliated militants seized the region. 119 The rise of extremism has had devastating consequences on Christian communities where militants seek to establish an Islamic caliphate and to gain control over mineral resources in the region. The presence of Christians is seen as an obstacle to that goal. 120 The country has experienced a steady decline in security and fundamental rights, becoming one of the world’s most terrorism-affected countries. 121 Despite military intervention from Rwanda and neighboring countries, violence continues. 122 Apart from the region around the international
liquefied natural gas project in Afungi, state and foreign security forces appear unable to protect the local population effectively against attacks by insurgents. A lack of secure funding has led the Rwandan army to threaten to withdraw its troops, which would significantly exacerbate the situation. Islamists have killed more than 2,000 Christians across Cabo Delgado since the beginning of an insurgency in October 2017. 123 According to an April 2025 statement from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI), the goal of Islamists is to ultimately install Sharia law in the nation. 124 Islamic State Mozambique “seeks to violently overthrow the Mozambican Government and expel foreign influences,” the DNI stated. “The branch demands governance by Sharia and rejects secular education.” were attacked and hundreds of houses torched, causing thousands of people to flee. At least two chapels were destroyed. There were reports of terrorists kidnapping people, including women and children. 126 FEBRUARY 2026 Two Christians were captured and slain by Islamists in Cabo Delgado. Islamic State Mozambique claimed the killings in a social media post. The two Christians were taken as they traveled toward Congreso, Macomia District. 127 APRIL 2026 An historic church near Meza, Cabo Delgado was reduced to a shell after an attack by jihadists. 128 Armed militants entered the compound of St. Louis de Montfort Church in Minhoene at approximately 4 p.m. on Thursday, April 30, setting fire to the church, offices, and the missionaries’ residence.
SELECTED INCIDENTS
AUGUST 2025 Children were kidnapped in attacks in Cabo Delgado that caused thousands of people to flee. Almost 60,000 people were displaced in a fortnight. Father Kwiriwi Fonseca from Pemba Diocese told ACN: “This aimless war only kills, kills, kills, and takes away the little hope that the people — especially the children — had. These children must be returned, they must be sought wherever they are, to be returned to their parents because these children deserve to dream, these children deserve to have a better future.” 125 NOVEMBER 2025 Four Christians were killed and one beheaded in a spate of jihadist attacks in Nampula, northern Mozambique. From the 10 th to 17 th , settlements
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