The Ombudsman, Isaque Chande, considers that Islamic terrorism in the northern province of Cabo Delgado is a challenge to the fundamental rights of citizens.

According to the ombudsman, who was speaking during a working visit to Cabo Delgado, there is a need to draw up strategies aimed at resolving conflicts involving citizens and public institutions in that province, especially in areas affected by terrorism.

For this reason, he said, local government should continue to keep in touch with citizens, "so that it can collect complaints and propose solutions".

"There can be no other way to serve citizens than to listen to their concerns and come up with solutions within a reasonable timeframe," he said.

During his visit to the Palma district, Chande visited the offices of the Legal Aid Institute (IPAJ) and the National Criminal Investigation Service (SERNIC).

In addition, the source noted that the district does not have a judge and, as a result, "cases are often sent from Palma to Mueda, which is almost 200 kilometers away".

According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Islamic terrorism affected more than 134,000 people in Cabo Delgado last May.

(Photo DR)