More than 100 children in Mozambique abducted by al-Shabaab since January

At least 120 children have been abducted by Islamic extremist militants since January as a terror insurgency continues sweeping the country. Communities also desperately lack resources to help protect children – and reintegrate them into society if they return. Please pray, and join our Arise Africa campaign to help make a difference to believers across sub-Saharan Africa.

At least 120 boys and girls have been abducted by al-Shabaab militants in Mozambique’s northern Cabo Delgado province since January, according to Human Rights Watch (HRW).  

HRW tracked a series of al-Shabaab attacks on the villages of Mumu, Chibau, Ntotwe and Magaia, between January and May 2025. Of the 120 children reported kidnapped, only six have been released. Those remaining captive are believed to be facing gruelling forced labour – lifting and transporting stolen goods, carrying out agricultural work, and being forced into marriage or fighting. 

Al-Shabaab is linked to so-called Islamic State (IS) and is a separate entity from the Somalia-based al-Qaeda affiliate of the same name.  

“When Islamist terror groups attack communities, targeting the most vulnerable – including children and Christians – is a primary objective,” notes Yonas Dembele*, a World Watch Research analyst. “This horrifying pattern is now unfolding in northern Mozambique. The abduction of children is a war crime, and creates lasting, devastating trauma for the whole community.” 

Spreading insurgency kills and displaces thousands 

Since 2017, over 6,000 have been killed by the terror insurgency spreading across Mozambique. Horrifying incidents involving mass beheadings have occurred, including those of children and a Christian pastor in 2021.  

In April 2025, an attack on the Niassa Special Reserve conservation project displaced over 2,000 people and effectively shut down the local economy. Ten park workers were also killed. Niassa is now under military control, and tourism and livelihoods have vanished. 

Mozambique’s security commando units are accused of horrifying human rights violations against civilians themselves.  

The country is number 37 on this year’s World Watch List, where the objective of active Islamic extremist groups is to establish a strict Islamic state. Christians are often targeted as symbols of resistance. In addition, believers are often caught in the crossfire of the ongoing conflict between government forces and jihadist groups, making them even more vulnerable to violence and displacement.  

Mozambique also has one of the highest rates of child marriage in the world, with 53% of girls being married before the age of 18. 

Communities need more resources to help children 

While a few hostages have been freed, officials warn that support resources for victims barely exist in a region overwhelmed by difficulties. 

“The country needs a clear strategy on what to do when a child, especially one that has been rescued, returns,” says Benilde Nhalivilo, of the Civil Society Forum for Children’s Rights in Mozambique. 

Across sub-Saharan Africa, from Cameroon to Somalia, communities struggle to reintegrate former captives of Islamist terror groups. 

Released hostages are seen as ‘untrustworthy’, as liable to return to the terror group, or they are feared as a lightening-rod likely to draw fresh attacks upon the community. Girls are viewed as contaminated or unworthy of marriage. 

“Mozambique’s government needs to take concrete actions to safeguard children and prevent armed groups from using them as tools of conflict,” Ashwanee Budoo-Scholtz of HRW stated. “There is a need to ensure that there are robust reintegration measures, so that the children are not further ostracised when they come back to the community.” 

Join and share the Arise Africa campaign 

Church leaders across sub-Saharan Africa are calling on Christians worldwide to stand with them in prayer and action as part of Open Doors’ Arise Africa campaign. More than 16.2 million Christians have been displaced across the region by violence and conflict, but your prayers, actions and gifts can help bring support and restore them. 

There are lots of ways to get involved, including signing the Arise Africa petition. If you’ve already signed it, please share it with your church! Every signature counts.  

You can also discover more resources and ways to get involved on the Arise Africa campaign page. Thank you for helping to stop the violence and start the healing. 

*Name changed for security reasons