Mozambique Customs in Nacala, Nampula province, have rejected a request for exemption from taxes and customs charges to allow goods from Setúbal (Portugal) to pass through in support of the victims of cyclone Freddy in Nacala. The goods include a fire engine, non-perishable products and medicines.

Citing official documents, the newspaper Txopela reports that Customs justify the measure on the grounds that there is no legal framework in force in the Republic of Mozambique to proceed with the release of the goods.

The municipality of Quelimane, as the applicant, was instructed to apply for the exemption through the National Institute for Disaster Management (INGD), following the terms established in Law No. 10/2020, of August 24, according to the newspaper.

According to the source, the mayor of Nacala, Manuel de Araújo, has launched an urgent appeal to the President of the Republic Filipe Nyusi to clear the donated goods.

"Your Excellency, we are only asking for exemption for the goods in the container in Nacala collected by charitable people abroad to support the victims of Cyclone Freddy and the fire! That's all... Your Excellency! The 'pleas' can be left for later," commented Manuel Araújo on social media, highlighting the urgency and relevance of this humanitarian aid in times of crisis.