A couple of alleged
terrorists voluntarily surrendered to authorities in Mocimboa da Praia,
northern Cabo Delgado, on Monday, July
22. This region has been grappling with armed group attacks since
October 2017.
Despite the local authorities' historical records indicating
that the man and his wife joined the armed group in 2020 from Mocimboa da Praia
town, which suggests their involvement in numerous operations against civilians
and defense and security forces, the couple was reportedly
not treated as enemies.
According to Sérgio
Cipriano, the Administrator of Mocimboa da Praia, the man and his wife,
who is six months pregnant, were first taken to the local hospital for medical
care. Many observers of the Cabo Delgado situation consider this measure to be
a humane decision that aligns with
the respect for human rights.
Various international legal instruments, such as the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights, recognize health
as one of the most important human rights. For instance, Article 25 of
the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) acknowledges everyone's right
to an adequate standard of living, including medical care and necessary social
services.
Similarly, Article 12 of the International Covenant on Economic,
Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR – 1966) notes the right of everyone to the
highest attainable standard of physical and mental health. This treaty obliges
states to take steps to ensure medical services and attention in case of
illness, even during conflicts.
The Administrator further stated that the couple, as of Wednesday,
July 24, was under the custody of
defense and security forces, who were instructed to respect human rights. The
couple also handed over an AK-47
firearm and four magazines.
An independent source emphasized that the authorities' admission
of providing medical assistance to the alleged terrorist couple shows a shift in consciousness regarding
human rights within the military and governmental personnel stationed in the
northern zone.
Anchinha Abdul, a social activist based in Pemba city, views
the Administrator's decision to allow healthcare access for the alleged
terrorist couple as a good sign of respect
for human life, a fundamental right for all.
"For me, it was good because a terrorist, before being a
terrorist, is a human being like us, right? And if they returned from where
they were, many times people who are repentant come back. So for me, medical
assistance was good, it was a good idea. They are a human being, a parent,
someone's child. Yes, if they were given assistance, it's a humane part. As civil
society, as humans, it was good," she said.
During the nearly eight-year conflict in
Cabo Delgado, there's a widespread understanding that individuals fighting with
non-state armed groups often referred to as terrorists have not received a favorable reception from
authorities, even in previous instances of voluntary surrender. (AA)
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