Pundanhar is a locality in the
Palma district, in Cabo Delgado, situated on the road to Nangade, with its administrative seat
located far from Palma town. When Pundanhar was first recovered after being
under insurgent control for several weeks, it was initially secured by the Rapid Intervention Unit (UIR) and
Rwandan forces.
When the insurgents entered the area for a
second time, the UIR forces were withdrawn to Palma town, and Mozambican
soldiers along with the Protection Police (PP) were deployed there. During the
UIR's stay in Pundanhar, the population experienced fewer problems compared to
the issues currently faced with the soldiers stationed there.
Four days ago, a clash
erupted between soldiers and police officers in Pundanhar. One
Protection Police agent is currently receiving hospital care at the Palma
district hospital due to injuries sustained during the altercation. This is not
an isolated incident, especially around the dates when their salaries are
disbursed.
The exact
cause of the fight is unknown,
but it occurred during drinking
sessions. According to our sources, their altercations often stem from
disputes over women or when the soldiers attempt to assert dominance over the
police, leading to conflict.
Two weeks ago, the residents of Pundanhar held
a meeting with local authorities, formally requesting the withdrawal of the
current soldiers from the area and the return of the UIR and PP. The
community's main concern stems from allegations that the soldiers are forcing local women into sexual
relations, a stark contrast to the behavior of the previous UIR troops.
During the meeting, residents detailed the
numerous problems and difficulties they face, particularly concerning the
soldiers. They reported that the soldiers do
not pay their debts at stalls, for drinks, or even for sexual encounters
with women while intoxicated. The community's strong plea was for these forces
to be removed and stationed far from the village.
Residents cited the example of the Rwandan forces currently in the
same locality, who have never caused disturbances in the neighborhood with
other forces or with the local population. Instead, they purchase their drinks
and consume them within their barracks, never threatening anyone. The locals
indicated that the current soldiers continued to cause problems even before
being ordered to withdraw.
Sources from Mozanorte stated that in
Pundanhar, beyond the fear of insurgents, residents also fear the security forces (soldiers)
stationed there. Men are even forced to accompany their wives to farms for safety.
Community leaders and residents are ready to help address local challenges, but
this has become difficult due to the behavior of the deployed force. (BP)
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 in Pundanhar and denounce of human right violation){kind=link}
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