At least 11 Christians were killed and more than 130 homes burned by jihadists linked to the Islamic State Mozambique Province (ISMP) in northern Mozambique during September, according to terrorism monitors.
The U.S.-based Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) reported that on September 29, ISMP fighters captured and beheaded a Christian in Macomia District, Cabo Delgado Province. The previous day, the group attacked Macomia Town, killing four Christians and seizing property.
On September 26, ISMP raided Nacocha village in Chiure District, killing a Christian and burning two church buildings. That same day, two churches in Nacussa village, also in Chiure District, were set ablaze. AFP verified the four deaths in Macomia on September 28, citing military and local sources. MEMRI claimed ISMP killed 30 Christians across northern Mozambique in the latter half of the month, though details were limited.
The Terrorism Research & Analysis Consortium confirmed at least 11 Christians were killed in the region during this period, including four in Chiure District, according to Barnabas Aid.
ISMP statements also reported attacks on Nabatini village in Montepuez District on September 23, Mahip village on September 28, Nakioto village in Mimba District on September 30, and Minhanha village in Memba District, burning homes and church buildings in each location. In Macomia, four people were kidnapped alongside the four killed, including a woman and her two daughters.
A large Rwandan military base near Macomia supports Mozambican forces, which have been combating the insurgents in Cabo Delgado since 2021.
The insurgency, initially led by Ansar al-Sunna and claiming Islamic State affiliation since 2019, began in Cabo Delgado Province in 2017. According to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), more than 6,200 people have been killed since the insurgency started.
In January 2025, ISMP launched a series of offensives, displacing at least 80,000 civilians, mostly Christians. Cabo Delgado’s population is about 54 percent Muslim, while Mozambique overall is 56.4 percent Christian, mainly Roman Catholic. Analysts say insurgents aim to establish a strict Islamic state while addressing perceived discrimination and neglect by the government.
Insurgent campaigns have repeatedly targeted churches, including in southern Chiure District, which is 42 percent Catholic and 44 percent Muslim. In a February 2024 attack on a passenger bus, insurgents left notes threatening Christians with death or the payment of Jizya, a tax on those refusing to convert to Islam, declaring war on all Christians who resist conversion. Two days later, they reportedly forced Christian passengers on another bus to hand over money under threat of death.
Mozambique is ranked 37th on Open Doors’ 2025 World Watch List for countries where Christians face the greatest persecution.
Adapted from CDI.
