Vandalism of Nametil Health Centre Highlights Ongoing Violence in Mozambique
In Mozambique’s Nampula province, the Nametil health centre in Mogovolas district was vandalized by unknown assailants, resulting in significant property damage and the death of a patient. This incident reflects ongoing violence linked to past political unrest. Meanwhile, an attempted attack on the police in Liupo was foiled due to timely police preparedness.
In the northern province of Nampula, Mozambique, unknown assailants attacked the Nametil health centre, the principal medical facility in Mogovolas district. This incident was reported in the independent news outlet “Carta de Mocambique.” The attackers, armed with various weapons including Molotov cocktails, caused extensive damage to the pharmacy, laboratories, storeroom, and paediatric ward, as well as setting some medications ablaze.
Tragically, one patient undergoing treatment at the Nametil health centre lost his life during this violent event. As a result of the chaos, the nursing staff fled in fear for their safety. Notably, Nametil has previously experienced violence, including an attack on a Cholera Treatment Centre linked to a partnership with the NGO “Doctors Without Borders,” amidst unrest following last October’s widely regarded fraudulent general elections.
Additionally, in the nearby Liupo district, there was an attempted assault on the police command in the Quinga administrative post by a group of 11 men. However, the police were forewarned and managed to fortify their defenses, thus thwarting the attack. Quinga had previously been outside of government control for two months due to a local leader’s self-proclamation as chief, where he initiated a manhunt against government officials, forcing them to seek refuge in Nampula city. In January, the local government utilized riot police to regain control of the area.
The recent vandalism at the Nametil health centre reflects a troubling trend of violence against medical facilities in Mozambique, exacerbated by political unrest. The loss of life and flight of healthcare workers signal a significant humanitarian crisis. Ensuring safety for healthcare professionals and facilities is crucial as the region continues to navigate its political turmoil and regain stability.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
