Mozambique: Nyusi offers to pardon terrorist recruits – AIM report

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Mozambique: Nyusi offers to pardon terrorist recruits – AIM report

7:14 CAT | 13 Jan 2021

File photo: O País

Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi on Monday offered to pardon young Mozambicans recruited into the ranks of the islamist terrorists operating in the northern province of Cabo Delgado, if they show genuine repentance for their crimes.

Speaking on his return to Mozambique, after a meeting in Tanzania with his Tanzanian counterpart John Magufuli, at which the central theme was the fight against terrorism, Nyusi urged the jihadist recruits to “find a way to speak to the Defence and Security forces, so that you can return to live among us”.

“We are going to do everything so that the Mozambican people understand that you have been manipulated and used”, said Nyusi. “You were not born as murderers, you are being motivated by this war”.

He explained that, in the recent clashes in the island of Matemo, off the Cabo Delgado coast, the Defence and Security Forces had allowed the young terrorist recruits to leave the island peacefully, because “they know you are innocent”.

As for the clashes in central Mozambique, where the self-styled “Renamo Military Junta” is continuing to stage ambushes on the main roads, despite the ceasefire proclaimed by its leader, Mariano Nhongo, Nyusi said he was aware of divisions among the Junta’s men.

Most of them were aware that there was no reason for them to go on fighting, he added, and the government is willing to receive this group. He urged those who wanted to return to society to do so, and leave Nhongo on his own. Nyusi promised to continue in the spirit of forgiveness which he claimed characterises his governance.

During his visit to Tanzania, Nyusi laid the first stone for the construction of a regional hospital in Chato, in Gater province. He said this arose from an invitation by Magufuli due to the longstanding relations of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

The hospital will benefit five Tanzanian provinces, and could also serve neighboring countries such as Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya.

Accompanying Nyusi to Tanzania were the commander of the Northern Theatre of Operations, Maj-Gen Eugenio Mussa, and the General Commander of the Mozambican police, Bernadino Rafael.

Source: AIM