Nyusi calls for coexistence between people of different religions

Maputo, 11 Apr (AIM) – Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi has called for coexistence between people of different religions, arguing that Islam is a religion that promotes peace and repudiates the acts of extreme violence carried out by the so-called Islamic-State in some regions of the northern province of Cabo Delgado.

According to Nyusi, who was speaking on Wednesday, in Angoche district, in the northern province of Nampula, during the celebrations of Eid-Al-Fitr, marking the end of the moslem fasting month of Ramadan, “The teachings we have about Islam are of a deeply peaceful belief and noble values, of harmonious coexistence between people, a religion committed to good”.

Ramadan, the President claimed, “closes the doors to expressions of envy, hatred and violence, which is why it helps strengthen the bonds of peace and reconciliation between peoples”.

“Islam is a religion of peace and not of violent extremism, which is why Ramadan observes the profound pact between man and good”, he added.

Nyusi called for solidarity among communities, not only those affected by terrorism in Cabo Delgado, but also to the victims of natural disasters such as storms, floods and droughts.

“This year, during Eid, our concerns are with our compatriots in the northern districts, especially in Cabo Delgado, who continue to suffer from acts of terrorism and violent extremism. Lives are being lost and infrastructure destroyed indiscriminately”, Nyusi said.

“Although the terrorists try to convey the message that they are defending Islam, the revelation made to the Prophet Muhammad makes it abundantly clear that Islam means peace”, he claimed.

In the midst of the celebrations, the President also sent a message of condolence and sorrow to the families bereaved by the shipwreck that killed at least 98 people on Sunday evening off the coast of Mozambique Island, also in Nampula.

As a result of the shipwreck, the government has decreed three days of national mourning in honour of the victims.

Nyusi also expressed his desire to see the country fight poverty, crime and other evils that affect Mozambican society, especially the kidnappings that have been targeting business people, many of whom profess the islamic religon.

(AIM)

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