Pempa, Sept 8, 2020: Two Catholic nuns, kidnapped by an Islamic group in Mozambique, have been freed, a Catholic bishop has announced.

Sisters Inês and Eliane are “safe and fine,” says a September 6 message from Bishop Luiz Fernando Lisboa of Pemba.

The two members of the Congregation of St Joseph of Chambery were kidnapped on August 12 from Mocímboa da Praia, an important center in the province of Cabo Delgado.

“The nuns are safe and sound. Inês and Eliane, who work in the parish of Mocímboa da Praia, after 24 days spent in prisons, are back among us,” Bishop Lisboa said.

The two Brazillian nuns were kidnapped during a furious attack by al-Shabab militias in Mocímboa da Praia. The police and armed forces had withdrawn hastily from the area, leaving the militia free for a few days. The nuns were kidnapped from their community and nothing was known about them for a few days.

However, the national and international authorities immediately mobilized to facilitate their release. The negotiations were successful.

The action against Mocímboa da Praia demonstrated a qualitative leap in the operations of these militias that claim to be “jihadists.” In 2017, when they started attacking the villages of the province of Cabo Delgado, they traveled on old scooters and used rudimentary weapons such as machetes and spears.

Lately they have been carrying out operations on brand new off-road vehicles with the use of automatic weapons and show a large ability to move on the ground.

According to some analysts, they may not so much belong to jihadist groups, but could be militias linked to large criminal organizations that create bases for the international drug trade. Over the past two years, their actions have created instability in the area and displaced hundreds of people.

The Sisters of St Joseph of Chambery found themselves in the middle of the fighting. The nuns have been present in the town of Mocímboa da Praia since 2003. Over the years they have created a large network of nursery schools and a social center. They have contributed to the literacy of local boys and girls. The intensification of military actions in the area has led to the closure of many schools in Mocímboa da Praia.

Bishop Lisboa wrote in his statement: “Let us raise together a hymn of thanksgiving to God and let us continue to pray for all those who are still missing, displaced and suffering the consequences of violence and war. We ask God’s blessing for Cabo Delgado and to grant the gift of true peace that we need so much!”

Source: indcatholicnews.com