Mozambique: President may pardon youths recruited by terrorists in Cabo Delgado – O País

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Mozambique: President may pardon youths recruited by terrorists in Cabo Delgado – O País

2:08 CAT | 12 Jan 2021

Photo: O País

Young Mozambicans recruited by the alleged terrorists carrying out armed attacks in some districts of Cabo Delgado may benefit from a presidential pardon if they show repentance for their crimes.

President Filipe Nyusi made his intention known at a press conference in Pemba on his return from a visit to the Republic of Tanzania at the invitation of his counterpart.

“Find a way to talk to the Defence and Security Forces so that you can get back to all of us. We will do everything to help the Mozambican people understand that you have been manipulated and used. You are not murderers by nature, you are being manoeuvred into the war,” Filipe Nyusi said.

The president explained what had happened during the latest attack on Matemo Island in Ibo district last week to demonstrate his willingness to grant pardon to repentant terrorists.

The head of state said the young people who invaded Matemo and were repelled by the Defence and Security Forces [FDS] were allowed to leave peacefully because the FDS knew that “they are innocent”.

‘Military Junta’

In addition to Cabo Delgado, Filipe Nyusi also spoke about the situation in the central part of the country, where the Renamo Military Junta continues to carry out armed attacks against civilian citizens.

“I know there are divisions,” the president said. However “the majority is aware that this war does not have to be waged”, so “we will receive them [those who think in such a manner], and we will leave Nhongo alone” or “with that group” with which he insists on leading attacks.

Filipe Nyusi appealed to those who wished to return to normal life not to hesitate to contact the authorities, who “were not trained to kill” their own parents or siblings, and promised to maintain the spirit of forgiveness that characterises his government.

After addressing the security situation in the country, the head of state explained the purpose of his visit to the United Republic of Tanzania, where he met his counterpart, President John Magufuli.

“The purpose of our visit was more to deepen our friendship and cooperation. These relations must always be aligned, it is not a finished product.” Nyusi said, revealing that the visit addressed security issues between the two countries.

“It was an unavoidable theme, due to the reality our country is experiencing. We want to develop Mozambique, and the Tanzanians want to develop Tanzania. They want water and energy. They want good housing, roads and food, and these things [can] only happen safely [in an atmosphere of safety]. So, whenever the development of a country or society is discussed, security is automatically discussed. We gave our points of view and explained the situation in Mozambique,” President Nyusi said.

Another issue discussed between the two heads of state has to do with the construction of a regional hospital in Tanzania, to be sponsored by Mozambique.

“The Tanzanians decided to choose Mozambique to sponsor the construction of a regional hospital. The works had already started, but it was more at the provincial level. Now they have decided that it has to be at the regional level,” Nyusi said, adding that “five provinces will benefit from the hospital”.

By Hizidine Achá

Source: O País