Listen: If Cabo Delgado becomes unstable, the entire region will be unstable – Adriano Nuvunga

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Listen: If Cabo Delgado becomes unstable, the entire region will be unstable – Adriano Nuvunga

3:54 CAT | 14 Apr 2020

File photo: O País

In recent weeks, the insurgency in Cabo Delgado has taken on a more than worrying shape, even prompting Pope Francis, at Easter Sunday Mass, to pray for province in northern Mozambique.

“May the Lord of life be close to all those in Asia and Africa who are experiencing grave humanitarian crises, as in the Province of Cabo Delgado in the north of Mozambique,” Francisco asked in his Easter message before his Urbi et Orbi blessing (to the city and the world).

Internally, analysts are questioning the authorities’ silence in the face of escalating violence.

The attacks are increasing in number, intensity and in the level of destruction. In contrast, there is a perception of apathy on the part of the state. “It is not clear how, after they [insurgents] attacked Mocímboa da Praia in the way they did, the state did not organise quickly to protect the surrounding districts,” researcher Adriano Nuvunga, director of the Centre for Democracy and Development, says.

Strong states, nations or republics are not built with mercenaries

Nuvunga says that “there are images showing that the state is using mercenaries to defend our homeland. This can only be worrying. Strong states, nations or republics are not built using mercenaries”.

Nuvunga thinks the fact that the Islamic State flag was hoisted in the places attacked is not sufficient to identify the real identity and objectives of the attackers.

“I am still not convinced that is the true face [of the attackers]. When we talk about the face, we are not talking about the combatants, we are talking about those who send these people. Who is behind these people, who equips them, who gives them guidance, who leads these people? That’s what a face for me is, and it’s not clear yet,” Nuvunga comments.

Nuvunga suggests regional intervention to stem the escalation of violence in northern Mozambique. “The SADC (Southern African Development Community) must intervene. We all know it is somewhat amorphous, but it has to be mobilised to intervene here,” the CDD researcher says.

Nuvunga warns that if Mozambique, and Cabo Delgado in particular, becomes unstable, “the whole region will be unstable. So it is in the interests of the SADC, no matter how weakened it is, to intervene, and, through the SADC, to reach out to the African Union to address this situation”.

Source: VOA Portugues