Mozambique: Muslims call for increased public security to stop kidnappings

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Mozambique: Muslims call for increased public security to stop kidnappings

1:04 CAT | 03 May 2022

Photo: O País

The Muslim community in Maputo city this Monday reiterated its repudiation of kidnappings in Mozambique, demanding that the authorities strengthen public security so as to prevent further instances.

Last week, two young men were kidnapped in Maputo city, one in broad daylight and the other one at night. The victims have not yet been located, nor have the families been contacted, whether to demand ransom or for any other purpose. And Muslims live in a climate of fear.

“It would be good for us to take action on these situations, because we are not living in peace or security. And with regard to the two recently abducted youths, there has still been no contact; maybe there is conversation with the families, because this is usually secret. The issues addressed are not often reported to the outside, because of the [risk of] reprisals and threats that family members experience,” said Mehmudmia Amodo (Duda), a member of the Muslim community in Maputo.

During the annual report on justice and legality in the country, the Attorney General of the Republic, Beatriz Buchili, speaking in the Assembly of the Republic, accused the PRM, SERNIC, magistrates, lawyers and justice officers of involvement in the kidnappings.

For some Muslims, the government, and especially its security apparatus, must improve its ability to combat and stop kidnappings. Khalid Cassam said it was unacceptable to live in constant fear.

“In relation to kidnappings, it is something that the government must work on, and the police must improve their work. We know that it is not easy with the existing resources, but it is essential that something be done. We must not constantly live in fear without knowing whether we will make it home or not; the stability of a country essentially depends on the security of its people,” Cassam said.

ALSO READ: Mozambique: Second abduction in a week in central Maputo – Watch

It should be noted that the Ministry of the Interior has, since November last year, been in the process of forming an anti-kidnapping and anti-terrorism unit dedicated exclusively to combating kidnappings in the country, as well as incursions by insurgents. The training of the above-mentioned group ends this semester.

By Amandio Borges

Source: O País