Bishops in Mozambique Condemn Violence in Cabo Delgado Province

Catholic Bishops in Mozambique have condemned the acts violence meted out on innocent people by Islamist militants in Cabo Delgado province.

“We deplore and condemn all acts of barbarism committed in Cabo Delgado, defenseless people are killed, injured and abused. They see their possessions plundered, the privacy of their homes violated, their homes destroyed and the corpses of their family members desecrated,” the bishops commented in their April 16 declaration, which was obtained by Aid to the Church in Need.

Islamic militants descended on Palma March 24 attacking people and destroying property worth unknown value. The attack left dozens dead and scores injured.

Over 2500 people have been killed since the militants launched an offensive against the Government in 2017.

The inhabitants of Cabo Delgado are “are forced to abandon the land that saw them born and where their ancestors are buried. These of our peers, mostly women and children, are pushed to the precipice of insecurity and fear. We deplore the prevalence of this state of affairs, with no clear indication that there will soon be an overcoming of the causes that fuel this conflict,” the bishops said in Maputo.

“We will continue to redouble efforts to help the helpless and welcome the displaced, providing them with listening and consolation, in addition to means of support shared by believers” they said. 

The Bishops urged local and international organizations to help those who have been displaced by the violence.

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