In Mocimboa da Praia, the smell of ash may have faded, but the pain remains vivid in the eyes of those who saw their homes reduced to embers. After terrorist attacks devastated entire neighborhoods in the town’s administrative center, the government has begun registering the burned houses, promising to rebuild and restore dignity to families who lost everything.
However, as names were read aloud from the beneficiary lists, many residents waited in vain to hear theirs or those of their parents, siblings, and neighbors. To their surprise, several affected individuals were missing from the lists, while others whose houses had remained untouched were listed as beneficiaries.
“This time, we won’t allow some to receive support while others are left out,” said a woman from the Milamba neighborhood, holding the only photograph that survived from her home.
District administrator Sérgio Cipriano acknowledged the oversight and announced that reconstruction efforts would be paused for a new verification process. He promised that every voice would be heard and each case reviewed.
But between promises and practice lies a long history of built-up mistrust. In a community already weakened by war and neglect, fairness is not just an ideal it’s an urgent need.
Rebuilding homes also means rebuilding trust.
To achieve that, it is crucial to ensure a transparent, participatory, and fair
process, where every family finally hears their name not just on a list, but in
the foundation of a new life, built brick by brick. Armando António
.jpg)
.jpg)
0 Comments