Advertisement New WaysNew Ways Would you like to advertise on ICN? Click to learn more.

Mozambique: Sisters robbed at gunpoint


Mercedarian Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament in Cabo Delgado. Image: ACN

Mercedarian Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament in Cabo Delgado. Image: ACN

Source: ACN

Religious Sisters in northern Mozambique who were robbed at gunpoint have recounted their ordeal, describing how they were threatened with decapitation during a night-time raid.

The Mercedarian Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament broke their silence for the first time since the attack, telling Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) that a group of 18 armed men stormed their compound on 8th June in conflict-ridden Cabo Delgado Province.

Sister Ofélia Robledo Alvarado said that the men carried "machetes, iron bars and other weapons".

She added: "Eight men came into the house, while the others stayed outside, controlling the gates and subduing the guards.

"We were terrified when we saw them enter our rooms, demanding money and taking everything they could get their hands on. They stole our computers, cell phones and what little money we had."

Sister Alvarado told ACN that the assailants forced the four Sisters into their chapel where "they made Sister Esperanza kneel in the centre and raised a machete to her neck.

"I begged for mercy - they had already taken everything. Thank God, they let her go."

She said once the intruders left, the Sisters rushed to check on the 30 girls they care for at their convent.

Sister Alvarado said the girls were "quiet and unharmed" after the robbery.

Days before the attack, the Missionaries of La Salette in nearby Mieze were also robbed at night by men armed with machetes. None of the missionaries was injured in the attack.

Neither robbery has been linked to Islamist extremism - but both incidents come amid a growing climate of insecurity in Mozambique.

Since 2017, Cabo Delgado has been shaken by a jihadist insurgency, killing about 5,000 and displacing a million people - while also fuelling criminal violence.

Sister Aparecida Ramos Queiroz, who coordinates ACN projects in Pemba Diocese, said that security measures are urgently needed to keep religious congregations safe.

The charity is working with the diocese to support efforts to improve the security of local convents and other Church buildings.

ACN is also providing emergency aid for those displaced by the violence in Mozambique.

With thanks to Paulo Aido and Maria Lozano

Adverts

The Passionists

We offer publicity space for Catholic groups/organisations. See our advertising page if you would like more information.

We Need Your Support

ICN aims to provide speedy and accurate news coverage of all subjects of interest to Catholics and the wider Christian community. As our audience increases - so do our costs. We need your help to continue this work.

You can support our journalism by advertising with us or donating to ICN.

Mobile Menu Toggle Icon