Mozambique: Islamist Terrorists Have Stepped Up Recruitment in Cabo Delgado - UN

What the report says

A United Nations report submitted to the Security Council says Islamist insurgents in Mozambique’s northern Cabo Delgado province have increased recruitment and expanded their ranks to an estimated 400 to 500 fighters. The assessment identifies Ahlu Sunnah Wal Jamaa (ASWJ), a group linked to the Islamic State, as continuing to operate despite military pressure from Mozambican forces and international partners.

According to the report, the group stepped up recruiting between 1 December 2025 and 31 March 2026, including appeals for new members and the use of illegal migration routes to bring in recruits from the region. The UN analysts said insurgent activity remained focused in districts including Macomia, Mocímboa da Praia, Muidumbe, Palma, Quissanga, Meluco and Nangade, while signs of movement farther south suggested a gradual expansion into areas such as Meluco, Montepuez, Ancuabe and Chiúre.

The document also says ASWJ continues to rely on small, mobile teams and has increased maritime activity, including extortion and attacks on civilian vessels. It names Sheikh Hassan Ulanga as the group’s leader and says revenue still comes largely from extortion of fishing boats, transport lorries and trade in marine products.

The report adds that kidnappings for ransom remain part of the group’s funding methods, and that informal money transfer systems help move funds in ways that are difficult for authorities to track. The findings matter because they suggest the insurgency retains the ability to recruit, finance itself and adapt its tactics despite sustained security operations in Cabo Delgado.