More than 300,000 people have been forced to leave their homes in Mozambique since July due to attacks by Islamic State militants. The fighting, which began in 2017, continues to devastate northern Mozambique. The insurgents, tied to the main IS group in the Middle East, first attacked Mocímboa da Praia in Cabo Delgado. In March 2021, they made headlines after a deadly assault on Palma that killed over 600, including foreign workers. Rwanda sent 1,000 troops to help Mozambique in July 2021 and now has 4,000 to 5,000 soldiers there. Initially, they pushed back the militants. However, violence has not stopped and has even increased this year. In November alone, 100,000 people were displaced after militants advanced into the neighboring Nampula province. By late November, total displacement reached over 350,000, up from 240,000 a year earlier. Tomás Queface from conflict monitor Acled said the insurgents have been "very audacious" and the Rwandan and Mozambican forces are "not as effective as they used to be." He pointed out that Mozambique's army now leads, with Rwanda supporting from behind. This year, there were 549 deaths in 302 attacks, with 290 civilian deaths—more than half and 56% higher than last year. Since 2017, nearly 2,800 civilians have died; 80% were killed by IS and over 9% by Mozambican forces. Mozambique's President Daniel Chapo, in office since January, expressed a wish to talk with insurgents. Experts suggest dialogue with local communities could help, but no real progress has been made after eight years of conflict. Much military effort seems focused on protecting a $20 billion Total LNG project, which is now more secure than in 2021. IS militants have increased kidnapping children for forced labor, marriage, or fighting, according to Human Rights Watch. Sheila Nhancale warns displacement raises risks of sexual violence and exploitation, especially for women and 70,000 children displaced in November alone. Humanitarian support is shrinking. Donors have provided $195 million this year, just 55% of what is needed, compared to $246 million last year, says the UN. Médecins Sans Frontières’ head in Mozambique, Sebastián Traficante, describes poor living conditions for displaced people and their urgent wish for peace and a return to normal life.