Conflict in the North of Mozambique

Abstract

This article is a descriptive study that explores the multifaceted conflict in Cabo Delgado, northern Mozambique, focusing on the role of natural resource exploitation in fueling violence and social dissatisfaction. Since its outbreak in 2017, the conflict has escalated due to a complex interplay of historical marginalization, economic inequality, religious tensions, and poor governance. Rich in natural gas and rubies, Cabo Delgado paradoxically remains one of the country’s poorest regions, where the benefits of resource extraction are concentrated in the hands of political elites and foreign investors, leaving local communities excluded. Utilizing the DFID analytical framework and root cause analysis, the study examines the structural and immediate drivers of the conflict, particularly the impact of unequal resource distribution and lack of inclusive public policies. The article argues that the “resource paradox” plays a central role in intensifying the insurgency led by Ahlu Sunnah Wa-Jama (ASWJ), which recruits disenfranchised youth by capitalizing on widespread dissatisfaction. Human rights abuses by state forces and the militarization of the region have further deepened distrust in government institutions. Through this case study, the article contributes to the broader understanding of how natural resource wealth, when poorly managed, can undermine peace and development. It concludes that resolving the conflict requires a comprehensive strategy centered on social inclusion, equitable resource governance, and long-term investment in local development.