Two days ago, a group of insurgents arrived at the mosque in Milamba neighborhood, Mocímboa da Praia, in Cabo Delgado at around 5 p.m. At the time, Muslim worshippers had already begun their prayers. According to reports, the insurgents prevented anyone from leaving, warning that no one should flee or be afraid.
After the prayer, the insurgents gathered the people present. Some individuals, feeling unsafe in the presence of the armed men, attempted to leave quietly, hiding so as not to be seen, as leaving the area was not allowed.
During the gathering, the insurgents warned the residents of Mocímboa da Praia to leave the district. They stated that "a great war" was underway which they described as a conflict between Muslims and Christians and claimed that it "would not end today or tomorrow." Witnesses described the event as highly traumatizing.
An audio message circulating on social media, particularly WhatsApp, from a woman who claims to have witnessed the incident, says the insurgents arrived by car via the main road and entered the mosque. The situation left local residents and natives of Mocímboa deeply shaken.
According to witnesses, there were about ten armed men wearing uniforms similar to those of Rwandan forces. After the gathering, they got back into the vehicles and left via the same route they had arrived. Two days prior to the incident, five vehicles belonging to Rwandan forces had reportedly patrolled the neighborhood to check on the situation.
The population, which had previously placed its trust in the Rwandan forces, is now left with serious questions and concerns: Who were these men? How did they obtain the uniforms? What will Rwanda’s official response be? So far, no answers have been provided.
Residents still living in the main town of Mocímboa da Praia are increasingly worried, as the situation remains tense. Up to now, there has been no response from the Defense and Security Forces (FDS), nor any official statement guiding the local population on how to proceed. (BP)
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