Christians in Mozambique are pleading for international humanitarian aid, after a fresh spate of attacks in northern Cabo Delgado.
In the last fortnight, over 60,000 people have been displaced and an unknown number kidnapped – including children.
Christians are facing ramped-up persecution from Islamist fighters, in the country which is ranked as the 37th most dangerous place for believers, according to Open Doors.
Father Kwiriwi Fonseca, from the Diocese of Pemba, Cabo Degado, told Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) that the abducted children must be returned.
“This aimless war only kills, kills, kills, and takes away the little hope that the people – especially the children – had. These children must be sought wherever they are… because these children deserve to dream, these children deserve to have a better future.”
One million Mozambicans require emergency assistance just to survive, according to the UN.
Fr Fonesca urged the crisis not to be “forgotten” by the international community.
“This silence bothers us, at a time when thousands upon thousands of our brothers in Cabo Delgado, especially in the region of Chiúre, have seen the crisis aggravated by new attacks, their homes burned, their children taken from them,” said Fr Fonesca.
“Please continue to support the people of Cabo Delgado, continue to support those who are struggling for peace. We don’t want war, we want peace. Mozambique needs peace.”