Islamist insurgents kill 52 villagers in Mozambique -police

English Africa Service - Vatican City

A Reuters report says Islamist insurgents killed about 52 villagers in Mozambique’s troubled northernmost province on 7 April after they refused to be recruited to their ranks, police said on Tuesday.

Young men killed after refusing to be recruited

“The young men were about to be recruited, but they resisted, which provoked the ire of the bandits that killed the 52 indiscriminately,” Mozambique’s police spokesman Orlando Modumane said.

The killings took place in the village of Xitaxi in Muidumbe district in the province of Cabo Delgado, home to multi-billion-dollar gas projects led by oil majors such as Total.

Last Wednesday, national police commander Bernardino Rafael said no parts of the troubled province were under the control of insurgents. His comments came after an increase in the frequency of attacks in the province.

Security analysts say that in some cases insurgents have occupied parts of towns, villages or government buildings and hoisted a black-and-white flag.

On Easter Sunday Pope Francis appealed for peace in Cabo Delgado

Pope Francis, in his Easter Urbi et Orbi message, reminded the world not to forget the humanitarian crises being faced especially in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado Province.

Pope Francis: Do not forget Cabo Delgado

“This is not a time for forgetfulness. The crisis we are facing (COVID-19) should not make us forget the many other crises that bring suffering to so many people. May the Lord of life be close to all those in Asia and Africa who are experiencing grave humanitarian crises, as in the Province of Cabo Delgado in the north of Mozambique,” prayed Pope Francis on Easter Sunday.