“It’s very sad”

.......... said Luiz Fernando Lisboa, Catholic Bishop of Cabo Delgado. “Religion counsels coexistence and harmony between people,” adds Abdul Assane, representative of the Islamic Council of Mozambique in Pemba.

Cabo Delgado Bishop Luiz Fernando Lisboa and the representative of the Islamic Council of Mozambique in Pemba, Abdul Assane, told Canalmoz that they are shocked by the decapitation of ten citizens on the night of May 26 in the district of Palma, province of Cabo Delgado. Bishop Lisboa said that what is happening is sad for the population of Mocímboa da Praia, Palma, Nangade and Macomia.

“We have total assurance that it is not a religious problem, because religions, here in Cabo Delgado and in Mozambique, understood each other very well. We have no problem with Muslims, Hindus, among other denominations. We have met many times to pray and work together,” said Bishop Lisboa, adding that events in the north of Cabo Delgado are not religious in nature. “These are people who are misusing the name of religion. Even the Muslims themselves are not in favour of this. We, as the Catholic Church, have been praying that Christians in these areas do not to become agitated,” he said.

Asked whether the Catholic Church has contacted the government to talk about the matter, the bishop said yes.

“Yesterday [Saturday] I had a meeting with the provincial governor. We talked about this situation. I see that the government is also concerned. The defence and security forces part is coordinated at central level. The governor [Júlio Parruque] is new and is worried about the situation. We talked together about the urgent need to invest in the area in courses for youth, short and medium term training and so that the youth have expectations in life. The Catholic Church is doing its part, in the sense that it is starting a branch of the Catholic University in Mocímboa da Praia, and enrolment is already open.”

Situation is religious in nature

The representative of the Islamic Council of Mozambique in Pemba, Abdul Assane, classifies the murder of ten citizens in Palma and other attacks in the north of Cabo Delgado as “anti-religious”.

“The delegate of the Islamic Council in Palma spoke on the phone, informing us that the situation was not good. They are prohibited from wearing ‘djubó’ [Muslim clothing]. We told them to be patient. We are cooperating with the government on what is possible. We are also shocked. We were hopeful that the situation would get back to normal,” he said.

Assane says the Muslim community is calm, waiting for the competent authorities to do their job. He said that the community has been urging people to stay calm.

“We do not recognise that group. They are not tied to any religion. Religion counsels coexistence and harmony between people,” Abdul Assane said.