IDPs say they are forced to pay for land and food stamps in Montepuez – O País

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IDPs say they are forced to pay for land and food stamps in Montepuez – O País

12:49 CAT | 24 May 2021

Photo: O País

Some victims of terrorism in Cabo Delgado say they are being forced to buy land in displacement resettlement centres in the Montepuez district, in order to avoid conflict with the native population, O País reports.

Montepuez district, in the south of Cabo Delgado, hosts the largest concentration of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the province, the number of which has increased since the terrorist attack on the town of Palma, on the 24th of March.

“We arrived, and as soon as we started clearing a space, the owner came and told us to leave. But if we wanted to stay, we had to give him 500 meticais. And then he said that if we wanted to stay we had to give him 500, and clothes. If you have nothing, you leave, ” Anzani Amisse related.

This scenario was confirmed to ‘O Pais’ by another displaced person, Mabote Changade. “I bought this land for 500 meticais. Then, someone else came and asked for another 500. I don’t know what to do, and I don’t understand why I should pay again,” he said.

In addition to land for the construction of houses and for agriculture, some IDPs claim to have been told they are also obliged to pay for food stamps in order to receive humanitarian aid.

“For these food stamps they are selling, they want me to pay 200 meticais. Now these 200 meticais to buy a food stamp; where will I get it? ”asked Catarina Xavier.

Life in the Montepuez resettlement centres is considered harsh, because the list of problems is long, and the situation could worsen with the arrival of more displaced persons.

By Hizidine Achá

Also read: There is corruption in the distribution of humanitarian aid in Cabo Delgado – DW

Source: O País