Criminality in Mozambique has seen an «exponential rise» according to Archbishop Inácio Saure, president of the Bishops’ Conference of Mozambique, following a violent break-in at the house of a group of religious sisters in the Archdiocese of Nampula. The attack occurred on 8 August in Mecuburi, when criminals scaled the walls of the compound shortly after midnight and entered the building, which also serves as a home for young girls. During the assault, two Kenyan religious sisters were physically assaulted and required medical care, while a security guard was beaten with extreme violence and remains in hospital in critical condition.
In a message sent to the pontifical foundation Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) shortly after the crime, Archbishop Saure stated that the two sisters are currently residing with another religious community in Nampula and clarified that, despite rumors, neither sister was sexually assaulted. The prelate told ACN:
“It is not the time to make significant statements on the issue, but criminality is increasing exponentially in Nampula and in the country in general”.
Rising criminality in Mozambique and past attacks on the Church
This break-in follows a similar case just over a year ago, in June, in the Diocese of Pemba, where 18 criminals armed with machetes, iron bars, and weapons broke into the house of the Mercedarian Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament. The assailants overpowered the guards, stole computers, cell phones, and cash, and forced the sisters into the chapel while threatening to behead one of them and set fire to the building before relenting and leaving.
More recently, an intruder broke into the residence of the Bishop of Quelimane and shot the bishop dead. Although police arrested a priest, a guard, and the gardener, the murder remains unsolved, prompting Pope Leo to write to the President of Mozambique asking for explanations.
Insurgency in Cabo Delgado and ACN’s ongoing support
At the same time, the Diocese of Pemba, which covers the province of Cabo Delgado in the north, remains embroiled in an armed jihadist insurgency. The conflict has caused at least 6,300 deaths and 1.2 million internally displaced people, with dozens of churches and Church-owned buildings attacked and set on fire. At least one catechist and an Italian religious sister, Maria Coppi, were murdered in the region.
ACN has several projects in Mozambique and has been helping the local Church handle the crisis in Cabo Delgado for several years.
