Vandalism of Nametil Health Centre Highlights Ongoing Violence in Mozambique
Unidentified assailants have vandalized the Nametil health centre in Mogovolas, Mozambique. The attack led to the death of one patient and caused extensive damage, leading healthcare staff to flee. Separately, an unsuccessful assault on a police command occurred in the nearby Liupo district. The health centre and other sites have seen prior violence in the wake of contentious elections.
In Mozambique, the Nametil health centre, the primary healthcare facility in Mogovolas district, has been vandalized by unidentified assailants armed with various weapons, including Molotov cocktails. The attack resulted in extensive damage to critical areas within the centre, such as the pharmacy, laboratories, storeroom, and pediatric ward, with some medicines being set ablaze. Tragically, the incident claimed the life of a patient receiving treatment at the facility, prompting the nursing staff to evacuate for their safety.
This health centre has previously experienced violence, particularly during the unrest following the contested results of the October general elections, which many regarded as fraudulent. Notably, a mob had previously destroyed a Cholera Treatment Centre that was established by the government in cooperation with the NGO, Doctors Without Borders.
In a separate incident within the Liupo district, a group of eleven men attempted to assault the police command at the Quinga administrative post. However, this attack was thwarted due to a timely tip-off that allowed police to fortify their defenses. Quinga had been outside government control for two months due to a local leader, aligned with ex-presidential candidate Venancio Mondlane, declaring himself as chief and engaging in a manhunt against government officials who subsequently fled to Nampula city.
Following these events, the local government deployed riot police in January to regain control over Quinga, restoring order in the area.
The recent attacks on the Nametil health centre highlight ongoing violence and instability in Mozambique, particularly in the context of the discontent following the last general elections. The loss of life and the significant damage to healthcare facilities reflect the urgent need for enhanced security measures and support for local health services. The separate attempt to attack the police in Liupo further underscores the challenges faced by authorities in maintaining control and addressing unrest in the region.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
