Mozambique: Bishop of Chimoio calls for an end to armed attacks

English Africa Service – Vatican City

Bishop João Carlos Nunes, the Bishop of Chimoio Diocese is also head of the Social Communication Commission at the Mozambican Episcopal Conference (CEM).

The most recent attack on a public bus, took place at Muda Serração, Gondola district in Manica Province. Two passengers sustained minor injuries when a “blast of bullets hit their bus.”

Breakaway Renamo group called ‘Military Junta’ claims responsibility

Most of the attacks now happening in the central provinces of Manica and Sofala are at the hands of the self-styled group that has broken away from Renamo and is calling itself, “Renamo Military Junta” under a leader known as General Mariano Nhongo. The Junta has claimed responsibility for the spate of armed attacks since Mozambique’s disputed October elections.

Pope Francis’ visit to Mozambique was to strengthen the peace

The 6 August 2019 peace agreement between Mozambique’s President Filipe Nyusi and the Renamo leader, Ossufo Momade should have ushered in a new era in Mozambique’s politics. Pope Francis’ Apostolic visit, to Mozambique, in September 2019, was meant, in part, to support the peace process.

Disputed elections

Notwithstanding the post-October election disputes and armed flare-up, there is hope that the peace agreement will hold. Representatives of the European Union and the African Union have been making efforts to ensure that the peace agreement remains intact.  

The bigger picture is peace

Vatican News’ Hermínio José reporting from Maputo says Bishop Nunes appeal is also meant to draw people’s attention to the bigger picture of peace. So much has been gained and so much could be lost.