Rising Numbers of COVID-19 amid Increased Instability
Written April 23, 2020
Despite the fact that Mozambique is a beautiful country of hospitality, cultural diversity, incredible beaches, and abundant natural resources, it has never enjoyed a period of enduring peace. The country sustained 500 years of war of resistance against the Portuguese colonialism, followed by a 10-year war of liberation. After the country's liberation followed 16 years of devastating civil war between the Mozambique National Resistance and the ruling Mozambique Liberation Front. Now Mozambique it struggling with a frightening and deadly war from insurgents in northern Cabo Delgado province and increasing attacks in central Mozambique from a group of Mozambique National Resistance dissidents.
While the country is wrestling with internal political unrest, there is an increasing number of COVID -19 cases. Rosa Marlene, the National Director of Public Health, reports, “after two consecutive days without any increase, in the last 24 hours, the number of infected people increased to 41. With eight recoveries, the total of active cases now stands at 31 (local transmission). To date, 1,247 suspected cases were tested, 84 of which in the last 24 hours. Thus, at this moment, our country has 41 positive cases, 33 of which are local and 8 imported.” No fatalities have been reported. In an effort to avoid the spread of the virus, thousands have been screened over the last three weeks at the main points of entry throughout the country.
The country has been under a Level 3 state of emergency throughout the month of April. This means spaces for amusement and leisure are closed, with the prohibition of all types of events, agglomerations of more than 20 people and limitations on public transportation. All education institutions have been closed and churches and sports facilities called to cancelation of activities.
Rev. Filimão P. Vilanculos, the Mozambique Area Finance and Administrator Director, describes the scenario of the Church in Mozambique, “This situation is crippling the capacity of the Church in Mozambique to run its programs. There are no resources to help the Central Church office operates, and this includes Missions in Chicuque and Cambine and seminary students. If the situation stands for a little longer, we may witness fatalities due to both hunger and coronavirus. Peasants can no longer produce in their fields they have been compelled to stay home in quarantine and therefore will have no income. As a matter of fact, at Government level, the annual dialogue on salary increase was postponed because the Government has no money to cater for this line item. Pastors, on the other hand, have begun starving because members are unable to contribute for apportionments.” Bishop Joaquina Nhanala and the Cabinet have been issuing messages of hope, Biblical reflections and preachings through WhatsApp and Trans World Radio. They have also been coordinating family church services, daily prayers and also reinforcing government and health measures to prevent coronavirus.
Meanwhile, the unrest continues in both North and Central Mozambique. Yesterday, the Mozambican Defence and Security Forces (FDS) confirmed the murder of 52 young people in the village of Xitaxi, Muidumbe district, Cabo Delgado province, during attacks against civilian and military targets in the region.
Within a week, dozens of displaced families from the central and northern areas of Cabo Delgado arrived in the city of Pemba, due to the growing tension and climate of insecurity installed by an armed group that recently assaulted the villages of Mocimboa da Praia and Quissanga and other districts and localities of Cabo Delgado. Some of the families traveled on land, but most travel in overcrowded boats. Most of the victims are women, children and the elderly. Many do not know where they will go, or if they can return home.
District Superintendent Dercia Marrengula reported, "Our United Methodist Church in Mocimboa da Praia has not been functioning since the beginning of hostilities and our members were displaced, and with growing threats, the Church in Cabo Delgado will greatly be affected. We need your prayers."
At the same time, the "Junta Militar" threatens to sabotage more domestic and foreign investments if the Government does not solve the problems of the Mozambican National Resistance's (RENAMO) dissident guerrillas. They ambush military and civilian vehicles including interprovincial buses, killing people and burning properties. Thus far, a convoy has been protecting people on the national road between the regions of Muxungue and Inchope. The self-proclaimed "Junta Militar" demands the resignation of RENAMO's president, Ossufo Momade. This could challenge the peace agreement signed in August by Momade and the Mozambican President, Filipe Nyusi.
The attacks that have taken place in central Mozambique since mid-2019 have already killed more than two dozen people. In February, the Christian Council of Mozambique expressed its willingness to mediate the internal crisis at RENAMO, but Mariano Nhongo rejected this and accused the Government of ignoring its demands.
The FDS has since been intensifying operations against the insurgents, and self-proclaimed "Junta Militar" of RENAMO with a view to neutralising them and holding them accountable for the heinous criminal acts they have perpetrated in those parts of the country.
Prayer, support and thoughts are needed for the restoration of peace as well as a rapid cure for COVID-19.
Ezequiel Nhantumbo - Ezy
Mozambique Initiative Representative