Vandalism at Nametil Health Centre Highlights Ongoing Violence in Mozambique

The Nametil health centre in Mozambique’s Mogovolas district was attacked by unknown assailants armed with Molotov cocktails, causing severe damage and a patient fatality. This incident follows prior violence linked to election unrest. Additionally, an attempted assault on police in Liupo was successfully thwarted, underlining ongoing security challenges in the area.

In Mogovolas, Mozambique, the Nametil health centre, a key medical facility, was vandalized by unknown assailants armed with various weapons, including Molotov cocktails. This incident, as reported in “Carta de Mocambique,” resulted in significant damage to the pharmacy, laboratories, storeroom, and the pediatric ward, with some medications being set ablaze. Tragically, one patient undergoing treatment lost their life during the attack, prompting the nursing staff to flee the facility in search of safety.

This recent violence follows earlier attacks on Nametil, which occurred amid civil unrest linked to the controversial general elections of October last year, perceived as fraudulent by many. Previously, a mob had destroyed the Cholera Treatment Centre established by the government alongside the NGO “Doctors Without Borders.”

Additionally, in the nearby district of Liupo, an attempted attack on the police command in the Quinga administrative post was thwarted due to timely police preparedness following a tip-off. Quinga had been under the control of a self-proclaimed chief who had evaded government authority for two months, leading to a manhunt for fleeing officials. Control of Quinga was eventually regained by the district government using riot police in January.

The vandalism at the Nametil health centre highlights ongoing violence and unrest in Mozambique, exacerbated by perceived electoral fraud. The situation remains precarious, with previous attacks on medical facilities indicating a troubling trend in targeting health services. The response to attempted police assaults demonstrates a need for vigilance and preparedness to restore order in affected regions.

Original Source: clubofmozambique.com