Mozambique: Water board denies poisoning in Pemba
Deutsche Welle
Recent attacks in the Mozambican province of Cabo Delgado are beginning to affect the economy, with retailers shutting down for lack of stock to sell.
The reinforced presence of the security forces in the region, announced by the government, is already being felt on the roads, with the police intensifying control of people and vehicles in almost all districts of Cabo Delgado and points of entry into the province.
But residents interviewed by DW Africa say that the situation is leading to commercial activity ceasing in Cabo Delgado and neighbouring provinces.
Benedito Mugabe, who lives in Balama, confirms that it is difficult getting between places. “They say it is because of the attacks in Cabo Delgado by the ‘Al-Shabaab’, and that the whole province is troubled by the attacks.”
The people are afraid
According to Mugabe, many local traders have already closed their shops, but not just because of the armed groups. “People in the province in general cannot go shopping or deal with other issues, because the roads are full of police,” he says.
Eduardo de Almeida, another Pemba resident, says people live in fear of attacks. “Traders who buy products in Nampula or Pemba have to travel but, because of the current situation, they are afraid to set out,” he explains.
Strengthening the presence of law enforcement
DW Africa tried to contact law enforcement authorities without success, but a political analyst and university professor at the Catholic University of Mozambique approves of the reinforcement of police control on the roads.
According to him, the Mozambican state is threatened, so it is only right to take measures like controlling who can travel in the area.
“Since it is difficult to determine where these terrorists are coming from, the state has made the best choice,” he says. “Lack of effective peace could lead to the destabilization of the entire country.”
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