Mozambique: Anamola wants in on political dialogue, asks that parliament amends law
Filipe Nyusi highlights Pedro Juma’s qualities as a national liberation struggle fighter
1:19 CAT | 26 Jun 2020
Photo: O País
The President of the Republic last Friday participated in the funeral of Major-General in the Reserve, Pedro Juma, who passed away at Maputo Central Hospital the previous Sunday.
On the occasion, Filipe Nyusi highlighted the human and combative qualities of the major-general, who, according to Nyusi, leaves as a legacy the liberation of Mozambique.
The hall of the Maputo city council hosted the official funeral ceremonies of the soldier who led the Niassa front during the national liberation struggle.
Once independence was achieved, he became the first governor of the province and city of Maputo.
Pedro Juma was born in Lago district, Niassa province, on August 1, 1942. In addition to being a soldier and politician, he was a teacher in Niassa.
The head of state paid tribute to the man who he described as being one of few words and intense actions. He also said that the Mozambican nation had lost one of its famous reference points in the achievement of its total and complete independence, the building of the Mozambican state and the promotion of the social well-being of all Mozambicans.
Nyusi that Mozambique was “Bidding farewell to a man of few words and intense actions, who respected his companions and his collaborators, a brave man and an educator”, adding that we should take responsibility for continuing his work.
“[We are] saying goodbye to Pedro Juma, a man with a life trajectory who becomes a model for new generations, a coherent man whose life is0 a source of inspiration for his countrymen. The Mozambican people and the Mozambican government bow to Major General Pedro Juma’s family – our condolences, our solidarity,” the president said.
Pedro Juma leaves a widow and children. For the family, his departure represents a void. Josélia Juma, one of the daughters, presented the eulogy on behalf of the family.
“What more is there to say about you at this moment … It is difficult for us to express the pain we feel at your departure, as the pure Juma that you were, as a husband, a father, an uncle and a grandfather. Certainly, it will be difficult to live without your physical presence, the void created will always leave us missing you, your being and your humility.”
Trench companions, friends and family talked about the life and work of Major General Pedro Juma, and guaranteed that his legacy would be preserved and followed.
Fernando Faustino Secretary General of the National Liberation Struggle Combatants Association, said that he was an outstanding son of Mozambique. “This destined son of Mozambique to whom we pay tribute today was part of the group of young combatants who joined Frelimo, and, through his maturity, patriotic spirit, wisdom and courage, weakened the Portuguese colonial system, engraving his name on the collective memory of the Mozambican people,” he said.
Carlos Machile, former dean of the UP [Pedagogical University] and a member of the Juma family, said that he kept memories of the many good times they had shared. “I wish to say that we lost a man of integrity. He operated all the time in Niassa, where he was the commander. The base where he was located was 50 km from our house, his parents’ home in Nhongo. After spending 14 years in Europe, I met him here in Maputo, and he gave me a lot of good advice.”
Raimundo Diomba, a national liberation struggle fighter, talked about the life and work of Major General Pedro Juma.
“We know that his contribution was more than enough, that he actively worked for the liberation of the country in the Niassa area, which ended in the victory of national independence.”
Former prime minister Aires Aly said he had met the major general in Maputo, when the proclamation of national independence was being prepared.
“At the time, he was governor of the province of Maputo and party secretary, and busy creating conditions for all of us to participate in the national independence ceremonies. He organised the party here where those of my generation participated in Independence Day. We participated actively in the ceremonies knowing, each one, what their role in that event would be. He was a very calm person,” he remembered.
Joaquim Chipande, another prominent national liberation struggle combatant, also shared memories about Pedro Juma, with whom he worked in Niassa.
“He enjoyed leading, both as a military man and as a politician. He managed to create liberated zones in that province, where we create a power within a power, because it was under colonial power, and we were able to demonstrate the power of Frelimo.”.
Frelimo Secretary-General Roque Silva represented the party at the official ceremonies. he highlighted the human, political and combative dimension of a man actively participating in the liberation of his country.
“It is a day for crying, but also for assuming responsibility for continuing the work of this great man.”
Official ceremonies were attended by the general public, members of the government, former rulers and national liberation struggle fighters.
Pedro Juma’s remains were buried last Friday at the Lhanguene cemetery in Maputo City.
By Amândio Borges
Source: O País
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