"YESTERDAY I ONLY HEARD ABOUT TERRORISM — TODAY, I LIVED IT."
MAVALA, BALAMA IN TERROR.
Even though it’s not widely reported, terrorism has reached Balama specifically the administrative post of Mavala. Since last week until now, we have witnessed waves of attacks affecting people from villages like Sapamoto, near the Messalo River, Monapo, Nseue B, and others.
I personally experienced a moment of terror during these days I saw people running for their lives, fleeing their villages for the safety of the town. I repeat: I lived it. I had to escape through the bush, leaving Mavala at 9:00 p.m. and arriving in Balama at 3:30 a.m. I walked over 19 kilometers without rest.
One of my brothers was captured and tortured by the Al-Shabaab militants. Thank God he was eventually released. A young man from Monapo was killed because of his Christian faith, while four others were freed because they were Muslims. What is happening in our land is heartbreaking. We serve God and we serve this nation without asking for handouts not even to clear a field and yet we are slaughtered like chickens.
My grandmother, my people, and so many others including children and pregnant women had to flee their homes and sleep in the bush, in trees, or in the municipal town of Balama, with no shelter. Some, out of fear, prefer to sleep on the streets.
The same kind of war is being experienced in Mocímboa da Praia, Meluco, and other places in this province of Cabo Delgado.
Yesterday, I only heard about those suffering from terrorism and yes, I used to pray and help whenever I could. But now I can say: I have lived this war." (Social Media)
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