Maputo, 19 Mar (AIM) – The authorities have exceptionally authorized the Muslim community, in Macomia district, in the northern Mozambican province of Cabo Delgado, to attend evening prayers during the current Ramadan period.
However, according to Tuesday’s issue of the independent newsheet “Carta de Moçambique”, the prayers will be allowed for a short time due to the curfew, which was decreed as a result of attacks carried out by the Islamist terrorists that have been plaguing some districts of Cabo Delgado since 2017.
The evening prayers, known as Taraweeh, practiced by Muslim believers during the 30 days of fasting, coincide with the start of the curfew, which initially prevented prayer at the usual time (normally from 18.45 to 20.00).
A curfew has been in force in the town of Macomia for almost a month, a measure imposed by the authorities to control movements.
Last week, some leaders of the Nanga B central mosque, in Macomia, insisted on praying at night, but paid dearly for their boldness. On their way out, they were arrested by a group of soldiers on patrol. They were later released with the intervention of some leaders at district level.
“One of them was old Diogo. He was arrested because it was late at night (19:00) when he was leaving the mosque. These days it’s forbidden to move around at night. So the Muslims went to ask the government for permission to pray, but they were only given a short time”, a source said.
According to the sources, relations between the authorities and the Muslim community have soured, even though the government has given the green light for night prayers.
“During these days, Taraweeh is prayed, but time is very tight. As soon as we break the fast, we start praying, all very quickly”, said another source.
At the end of February, Mozambican forces were criticized for allegedly raiding a mosque during early morning prayers, following reports that terrorists had taken refuge there. The mosque in question was the same as that attended by some young men who later joined the terrorist groups that attacked Mocímboa da Praia in October 2017.
After several months of relative normality in the districts affected by armed violence in Cabo Delgado, the province has been experiencing new movements and attacks by jihadist groups for the past few weeks which have limited circulation and caused many villagers to flee their homes for safer areas.
(AIM)
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