Bishop of Pemba warns of ongoing violence in Cabo Delgado

Bishop António Juliasse of Pemba stated that remaining silent about the deaths in northern Mozambique is to be complicit in them. He spoke regarding the continued insecurity in Cabo Delgado, where terrorist attacks began on October 5, 2017.

Recent estimates indicate that the violence has resulted in more than 6,600 deaths and the displacement of 1.2 million people over the last nine years. Bishop Juliasse noted a lack of clear official positions from authorities regarding the situation. He said the violence stems from both an inability to protect populations and a failure to understand the groups sustaining the attacks.

The bishop noted that while there is no official government clarification, academic studies and direct contact with the population suggest the attackers are associated with the Islamic State.