Maputo, 24 Oct (AIM) – Samora Machel Junior (“Samito”), son of Mozambique’s first President, Samora Machel, has said he is “determined to contribute to the consolidation of the rule of law in Mozambique”, after the Mozambican Police (PRM) threatened to sue him for alleged defamation.
The PRM accused Machel, who is a member of the Central Committee of the ruling Frelimo Party, of alleged defamation after he wrote an open letter last week condemning the killing of four individuals by police officers in Chiúre district, in the northern province of Cabo Delgado, in the context of protests (all over the country) carried out by the largest opposition party, Renamo, against alleged fraud in the municipal elections held on 11 October.
The Police only admits to shooting dead one 19 year old man.
“As a citizen with a human conscience”, Machel replied, in his second letter, published on Tuesday by the independent newssheet “Carta de Mocambique”, I want to assure you that the important thing about my previous position is not the numbers, but the facts and concerns that guided the ideals of the liberation and independence struggle, and which are reflected in the legacy of our national heroes and veterans in the national liberation struggle”.
Machel added that “by defending the pillars that were the principles which determined the National Liberation Struggle, I will continue, tirelessly, to fight for Mozambique to be the nation we all long for, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, or political party.”
“I hope that we will continue along these lines of clarifying cases for the good of the Mozambican nation. I am firm, serene and, above all, determined, to make my contribution for the good of the nation, which as a citizen and senior member of the Frelimo Party I must make, for the consolidation of the democratic rule of law”, he said.
“Will our institutions be more agile in trying to hold a simple messenger accountable, or will they (as is to be hoped) be more agile in what really matters with their action, such as shedding light on the scourge of kidnappings, organized crime, and the loss of human life, whether in the context of my previous post, or in other contexts”, he added.
Machel also claimed that his duty as a citizen in a prominent position is to listen, console and advise.
“When my sources share information, they don’t expect me to denounce, but rather to take firm action to ensure that these events don’t happen again. A single life lost to a bullet should be cause enough for concern”, he wrote.
“These are the facts that deserve to be investigated so that those responsible are held to account”, Machel added.
Machel noted that “I have been a member of the Frelimo party working for its brigade in the province of Cabo Delgado, for more than 10 years. As a result of my role, I constantly receive information from the province. Some of the information is of regret, some is asking for help, and some is of weeping and despair, like what happened in Chiúre.”
(AIM)
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