The rebel incursions in Nampula have mainly targeted the districts of Eráti and Memba, especially since August, both on the banks of the Lúrio River, the natural border between Nampula and Cabo Delgado.

The new wave of attacks destroyed infrastructure and left six dead, including an Italian nun killed during an attack on the Catholic mission in Chipende, in the far north of the Nacala diocese.

According to preliminary data advanced by the Government of Nampula, in the district of Eráti alone, the new incursions provoked the movement of about 10 thousand people.

There were already more than 8,000 displaced people in a relocation center in Corrane, Meconta, and thousands more sheltering in the homes of relatives and friends all over the province.

"For us, it is a feeling of powerlessness [...] because in fact we already have many war displaced people coming from Cabo Delgado," the archbishop stressed.

For the Archbishop of Nampula, policies and strategies for the accompaniment of youth are fundamental to stop recruitment, avoiding that groups with dark intentions take advantage of the vulnerability of these younger layers.

"Youth must be cared for, educated and trained. On the other hand, it is necessary to defend this youth from the weaknesses that make them easily recruited," stressed Inácio Saure.

The Archbishop of Nampula also lamented the death of the Italian sister Maria de Coppi, shot dead during the attack on the Catholic mission in Chipende, Nampula.

"This Italian nun was 83 years old, 59 of which she served the people of Mozambique," recalled the Archbishop of Nampula, describing her as one of the "martyrs" in the war against insurgency in northern Mozambique. (Lusa/RTP)