Mozambique celebrates Independence Day with appeals for peace

Hermínio José - Maputo

Mozambique on Monday, this week, marked 43 years of national independence with appeals for peace from both the Church and the State.

Bishops call on Mozambicans to overcome challenges

Archbishop Francisco Chimoio, the Archbishop of Maputo and President of the episcopal conference -Conferência Episcopal de Moçambique (CEM), said that independence might have been a sign of victory, but there were still many challenges ahead particularly that of attaining peace in the whole country.

Independence is meaningful when citizens are united

Mozambican President, Filipe Nyusi, presided over national day celebrations in Maputo. The independence ceremonies included the laying of wreaths at the Heroes Square, in honour of Mozambique’s fallen heroes, particularly those who died fighting for the liberation of the country.

According to the Head of State, Mozambican independence would only become meaningful if citizens exist as a united nation.

A call to prayer and the promotion for peace

For its part, the Catholic Church, through Archbishop Francisco Chimoio, affirmed that though Mozambique's independence was a triumph against Portuguese colonialism, peace had continued to elude the country.

Archbishop Chimoio says the 43rd anniversary of national independence should be celebrated with prayer and with citizens working towards achieving the values of national unity, patriotism and peace.