TIG Post

Tag: Mozambique

  • 94 dead in Mozambique over Cyclone Chido

    94 dead in Mozambique over Cyclone Chido

    Cyclone Chido has caused significant devastation in Mozambique, killing 94 people since it hit the country last week, according to local authorities. The storm also left 768 people injured and affected more than 622,000 people in various ways.

    Chido struck Mozambique on December 15 with powerful winds reaching 260 km/h (160 mph) and heavy rain, dumping 250mm of rain in just 24 hours. The cyclone first caused destruction in the French island of Mayotte in the Indian Ocean before moving to Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe.

    In Mozambique, the cyclone hit northern provinces that often face such storms, beginning in Cabo Delgado and spreading to Niassa and Nampula. The storm heavily damaged schools, affecting over 109,000 students, and destroyed 52 health centers, making it harder for people in affected areas to access medical care, especially in regions that already had limited healthcare facilities.

    Daniel Chapo, a leader from Mozambique’s ruling party, stated that the government is working on all fronts to help those affected by the cyclone. He visited Cabo Delgado, one of the worst-hit areas, and assured people in several provinces, including Mecúfi, Nampula, Memba, and Niassa, that efforts are underway to help them rebuild.

    Before reaching Mozambique, Cyclone Chido caused widespread damage in Mayotte, where it became the worst storm in 90 years. At least 35 people were reported dead, with local officials expecting the toll to rise as further damage assessments are made. Over 1,300 emergency responders were sent to help, but many residents still lack basic necessities. Water is slowly returning to Mayotte’s capital, but people are advised to boil water before drinking it.

    Efforts are underway to provide aid, with 80 tonnes of food and 50 tonnes of water delivered to Mayotte, and 100 tonnes of supplies arriving daily. Tropical cyclones like Chido bring strong winds, heavy rainfall, and rising sea levels, which often lead to widespread flooding and damage.

    The cyclone, the INGD said, “highlights once again, the vulnerability of social infrastructures to climate change and the need for resilient planning to mitigate future impacts”.

    Assessing the exact influence of climate change on individual tropical cyclones can be challenging due to the complexity of these storm systems. But rising temperatures do affect these storms in measurable ways.

    The UN’s climate body, the IPCC, previously said there is “high confidence” that humans have contributed to increases in precipitation associated with tropical cyclones, and “medium confidence” that humans have contributed to the higher probability of a tropical cyclone being more intense.

  • Mozambique: Frelimo secures landslide victory in contested election

    Mozambique: Frelimo secures landslide victory in contested election

    Mozambique’s ruling party, Frelimo, has secured victory in a contentious and violence-stricken election, extending its 49-year dominance in the southern African country, as per official results.

    Frelimo’s relatively obscure presidential candidate, Daniel Chapo, viewed as a reformist figure, is set to succeed Filipe Nyusi, who has completed two terms in office.

    Chapo, 47, who garnered 71% of the vote, will become the first president born after Mozambique’s independence in 1975. His nearest competitor, Venancio Mondlane, secured 20% of the vote.

    Chapo said in his victory speech: “We remained silent all this time, for respecting the law. We are an organised party that prepares its victories.”

    Following the announcement of the results, violent protests have erupted in several towns, resulting in multiple deaths. Heavy police presence has been reported in some areas.

    The election has been tainted by accusations of vote rigging and the killing of opposition supporters, sparking nationwide demonstrations.

    Zimbabwean President Mnangagwa, who has faced similar allegations of election fraud in the past, prematurely congratulated Chapo on his “overwhelming victory,” even before the official results were declared.

    Ossufo Momade, the candidate for former rebel group Renamo, which was once the main opposition party, finished third with 6%.

    Political analyst Tomas Viera Mario told the BBC that Renamo has lost its “historic status” as Momade, 68, failed to appeal to younger voters.

    The declared numbers surprised many, including some within Frelimo and its supporters, particularly due to the party’s overwhelming win.

    The deputy chairperson of the electoral commission Fernando Mazanga, who was appointed by Renamo, said the “results are against electoral justice”.

    “These results do not represent the reality,” he said.

    The electoral commission says 43% of the more than 17 million registered voters took part in the poll.

    Parliamentary and provincial elections were held at the same time as the presidential vote.

    Frelimo won 195 of the 250 seats in parliament. The opposition Podemos, which backed Mondlane for president, got 31 seats and Renamo secured 20 seats.

    Frelimo also won all the provincial elections.

    President Nyusi followed the election results with a jubilant television address to the nation.

    “With more than 70% of the votes, I don’t see any teacher failing a student,” he said.

    The election had been seen as a turning-point for the resource-rich country which is wracked by economic problems, corruption, and poverty.

    Mondlane had called for a national strike on Thursday in protest at the alleged rigging.

    He said that the protests would honour his lawyer and a party official who were shot dead last week in what he described as politically motivated killings.

    He claimed that he won the election despite preliminary polls showing that Chapo was well ahead.

    Mondlane now has until December to contest the results.

    On Monday, he organised nationwide demonstrations, which were dispersed by police firing live rounds and tear gas.

    The election has also been criticised by EU election observers, who said some results may have been doctored.

    They said there were “irregularities during counting and unjustified alteration of election results”.

    Political analyst Adriano Nuvunga criticised what he described as a recurring trend of fraudulent elections in Mozambique.

    The electoral commission has refused to address the vote-rigging accusations, Reuters reported.

    Chapo is set to be inaugurated in January.

  • 1,000 people in Mozambique have died over strike by health workers

    1,000 people in Mozambique have died over strike by health workers

    More than 1,000 people in Mozambique have died due to a lack of care amid a health workers’ strike, a union leader told the BBC.

    The strike, involving 50,000 union members, began three weeks ago after negotiations over working conditions broke down.

    Doctors are not participating in the strike, but union leader Anselmo Muchave noted that many health facilities do not employ doctors.

    He reported that most of the deaths occurred in the provinces of Inhambane and Sofala. The BBC has not been able to independently verify these figures.

    The health ministry has previously accused the Association of United Health Professionals of Mozambique (APSUSM) of exaggeration. The ministry has not responded to a BBC request for comment.

    “We receive information every day about deaths,” said Mr Muchave, the chairperson of APSUSM.

    “The worst-affected facilities are those staffed only by health workers and not doctors.”

    Nurses, psychologists, drivers and cleaners are among those striking for overtime allowances and better medical equipment.

    Mr Muchave said the workers were forced to strike because they faced such dire conditions, which the government was refusing to confront.

    “There is little to no surgical material, food for patients [or] petrol for ambulances. Workers haven’t received uniforms for years. Something needs to change. Sometimes in the maternity [wards] you will find women sharing beds. It’s very dangerous,” he said.

    One woman in the capital, Maputo, confirmed that patients were suffering because of the strike.

    “My grandmother was sick and [when] I took her to the public hospital she was only attended to the following day. She was really sick. She said others were also really sick but were not being attended to,” the woman who gave her first name as Sheila told the BBC.

    Health infrastructure is limited across Mozambique, with fewer than three doctors per 100,000 people, making it one of the lowest doctor-to-population ratios in the world.

    According to the US Agency for International Development (USAID), more than half of Mozambicans walk an hour or more to reach their nearest health facility, and it is common for medicines to be out of stock or in short supply.

    Nurses, psychologists, drivers, and cleaners are among those striking for overtime allowances and better medical equipment.

    Mr. Muchave stated that the workers were compelled to strike due to the dire conditions they faced, which the government was refusing to address.

  • Daniel Chapo assumes leadership of Mozambique’s ruling party

    Daniel Chapo assumes leadership of Mozambique’s ruling party


    Mozambique’s ruling Frelimo party has elected Daniel Chapo, a regional governor, as its new leader, positioning him as the leading candidate to succeed President Filipe Nyusi later this year.

    Chapo’s appointment follows heated debates within the party over the weekend, during which his main competitor withdrew from the race.

    The choice of Chapo, a former political science lecturer and radio personality, comes as a surprise given his lack of previous cabinet experience.

    The constitution bars President Nyusi from seeking a third term when elections are held on October 9.

    Since Mozambique gained independence from Portugal in 1975, Frelimo has never been defeated in elections.

  • Over 90 people, including children killed in ferry accident in Mozambique

    Over 90 people, including children killed in ferry accident in Mozambique

    A makeshift ferry carrying people sank off the coast of Mozambique‘s northern area and 94 people, including kids, died, according to local news.

    Silverio Nauaito, who is in charge of the Island of Mozambique, reported to the media that, the ferry sank on Sunday afternoon. The number of people who died in the accident went up from 91 to 94 after they found three more bodies on Monday.

    Mr Nauaito said that 130 people were on the ferry. 94 people died and about 11 people were taken to the hospital.

    “Nauaito told the radio station that about three people were saved, but it’s hard to know exactly how many are still missing. ” He said that officials are going to the accident site on Monday to get more accurate information.

    The boat that goes between Lunga and the Island of Mozambique was too full, and a lot of kids drowned, according to TV Diario Nampula. It tipped over during the trip.

    Some people were going to a fair and others were trying to escape from Lunga to the Island of Mozambique because they were scared of getting sick with cholera.

    Other news sources reported that Jaime Neto, the secretary of state in Nampula province, said that wrong information about a supposed cholera outbreak made people afraid and they got on a boat, which is usually used for fishing, to leave the area.

    Officials in Mozambique and nearby southern African countries are working to stop a serious outbreak of cholera that has been spreading in the last few months.

    Many parts of Mozambique can only be reached by boats, and they are usually very full of people. The country has bad roads and there are some places that cannot be reached by land or air.

  • Mozambique grapples food security over droughts

    Mozambique grapples food security over droughts

    In parts of central Mozambique, devastating droughts have decimated crops, leaving residents to rely on wild fruits and tubers for sustenance.

    The severe food shortages have led to dozens of families being displaced from their homes in Sofala province, seeking refuge in neighboring areas of Manica province, according to local authorities.

    Mozambique, with its geographical position and coastal vulnerability, is highly susceptible to the destructive impacts of the El Niño weather phenomenon, which have been exacerbated by the ongoing climate crisis.

    Candido Zeca, a district official overseeing economic affairs in the hard-hit area of Chemba, acknowledges that insufficient assistance has been provided to those in need.

    However, he assures that food aid and agricultural resources are en route to alleviate the situation.

  • Maputo schools in Mozambique closed amid flooding crisis

    Maputo schools in Mozambique closed amid flooding crisis

    Schools in Mozambique’s capital city face closure for a week due to heavy rains causing extensive flooding across buildings and roads.

    The shutdown applies to both state and private schools in Maputo.

    City authorities report the availability of eighteen accommodation centers for those in need, but they can only accommodate a fraction of the affected population.

    According to the Maputo Municipal Council, nearly 43,000 people have been impacted by the floods.

    Local councillor Anabela Inguane stated, “We are providing food assistance, buckets, blankets, mats, and coordinating with the relief agency, INGD, to supply tents and other necessities.”

    Since the onset of the downpour on Sunday, at least two fatalities have been recorded.

  • Strikes of lightening kills 4 in Mozambique

    Strikes of lightening kills 4 in Mozambique

    Four people died and three others were injured after being hit by lightning in Mozambique. The incident occurred in the town of Mogincual in Nampula province.

    As Storm Filipo approaches, the country is preparing for severe weather conditions.

    Southern and central provinces like Gaza, Inhambane, Sofala, and Zambézia are on alert for heavy thunderstorms expected later today. Storm Filipo has reached the Mozambican coast and may develop into a severe tropical storm before moving back out to sea.

    Increased rainfall has been observed, raising concerns about mudslides. Mozambique’s National Institute of Meteorology (Inam) has issued warnings for boats and vessels to take precautions.

    Mozambique often faces natural disasters during the rainy and cyclone season from October to April.

  • Persons in Mozambique fall victim to scam involving false job promises in Portugal

    Persons in Mozambique fall victim to scam involving false job promises in Portugal

    Individuals in Maputo, Mozambique, have fallen prey to a scam orchestrated by a fraudster who deceitfully offered non-existent job opportunities in Portugal, resulting in financial losses totaling thousands of dollars.

    Thirteen victims entrusted the suspect with sums ranging from 20,000 to 60,000 meticais (equivalent to $310 to $940 or £250 to £740), believing he would facilitate their travel and documentation for employment in Portugal.

    Law enforcement detained a Portuguese suspect found in possession of 13 Mozambican passports, while two Mozambican nationals are also under custody in connection with the scheme.

    Desperate for employment abroad, victims resorted to remote transfers to pay the fraudulent intermediary, despite never meeting him face-to-face.

    The perpetrator frequently dodged communication by claiming to be unavailable, leaving victims in distress.

    One victim, now unemployed, regrets terminating her contract in Mozambique, assuming a lucrative opportunity awaited her in Portugal, echoing the cautionary message to others to exercise vigilance and skepticism when approached with similar offers.

  • CAF documentary features Richard Ofori’s mistake against Mozambique in 2023 AFCON documentary

    CAF documentary features Richard Ofori’s mistake against Mozambique in 2023 AFCON documentary

    A comical blunder by Black Stars goalkeeper Richard Ofori during Ghana’s match against Mozambique has been highlighted in a short documentary released by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) focusing on the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

    The scene depicting Richard Ofori’s costly mistake, where he inadvertently touched a ball heading for a goal-kick, was prominently featured in the CAF documentary, released ahead of the tournament finals on Sunday, February 11, 2024.

    Despite Ghana’s strong position to advance to the knockout phase of the AFCON, Richard Ofori’s goalkeeping error became a widely shared meme from the tournament.

    Ofori’s decision to intervene with the ball instead of allowing it to go out for a goal-kick resulted in a corner kick for Mozambique during the final group B match.

    Subsequently, Mozambique capitalised on the corner, scoring a goal that ultimately led to Ghana’s elimination from the tournament.

    Richard Ofori faced criticism and threats following the mistake, although he reportedly explained the incident to a former Kotoko forward. Ofori attributed the error to the uneven nature of the pitch at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, where the game was held.

    “He (Richard Ofori) has spoken to Maxwell Baako. They were teammates at Wa All Stars so they still have a good relationship. According to Baako, Ofori told him that the pitch was not good so the ball was often bouncing.

    “He thought the ball came off one Ghanaian player so he wanted to catch it and prevent a corner kick. Some of the players begged him to leave it but before he could pull out, the ball bounced on the pitch and he scraped his hands, resulting in a corner kick. It was not deliberate,” he said.

    The Black Stars ended their 2023 AFCON campaign without a victory, managing two draws and suffering one defeat in Group B.

    They began with a disappointing 2-1 loss to Cape Verde in the tournament’s opening match. Subsequently, they secured 2-2 draws against Egypt and Mozambique in their second and final group-stage encounters.

    Despite their efforts, the Black Stars garnered only two points and faced elimination from the tournament due to a goal deficit. This marks their second consecutive group-stage exit from the AFCON, following a similar outcome in the 2021 edition.

    Following the disappointing performance in Ivory Coast, Chris Hughton has been dismissed by the Ghana Football Association.

  • Mozambique sees nearly 150,000 registrations for military service

    Mozambique sees nearly 150,000 registrations for military service

    In Mozambique, close to 150,000 individuals have enrolled for military service since the beginning of the year. This figure comprises 96,741 men and 52,481 women, with the registration process slated to continue until month-end.

    Conscription is mandatory in Mozambique for citizens aged 18 to 35, with the duration of military service recently extended from two to five years.

    Individuals who register undergo fitness and other assessments before being called up for service.

    Despite potential deployment to conflict zones, many view military service as an employment opportunity, crucial for university admission and securing government or state company jobs.

  • Angry journalists hurl insults at Black Stars players after game with Mozambique 

    Angry journalists hurl insults at Black Stars players after game with Mozambique 

    In the aftermath of the Black Stars‘ unexpected draw in their recent game against Mozambique, emotions ran high as disgruntled journalists unleashed a barrage of insults directed at the players.

    The Ghanaian national football team’s loss to Mozambique ignited a firestorm of criticism, with journalists expressing their frustration and disappointment in no uncertain terms. 

    Several journalists, known for their passionate coverage of football, did not hold back in expressing their disdain for the Black Stars’ performance. Harsh words and derogatory comments filled the air as the players passed by after the match. 

    Ghana’s defeat against Mozambique was unexpected, considering the fact that the team initially secured two goals through penalties. 

    At the end of the game, however, both teams had secured two goals each, which means the Blacks Stars did not qualify at the group stage. 

    The outcome of the match broke the hearts of many Ghanaians who had thrown their full support behind the team.

    The initial optimism among fans was shattered as Mozambique managed to level the score by the end of the game, leaving both teams with two goals each. The draw proved to be a significant blow to Ghana’s hopes of progressing further in the competition, and it marked the end of their journey at the group stage.

    The outcome of the match was particularly disheartening for many Ghanaians who had fervently supported the Black Stars throughout the tournament. The early lead, established through penalties, had fueled expectations of a successful campaign, only to be dashed by Mozambique’s comeback.

  • Those goals were stupid – Black Stars Denis Odoi after Ghana’s disappointing draw against Mozambique

    Those goals were stupid – Black Stars Denis Odoi after Ghana’s disappointing draw against Mozambique

    Ghana’s defender, Denis Odoi, has candidly addressed the goals conceded in their final Group B game against Mozambique at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

    The Club Brugge player criticised the two goals as “stupid,” emphasising the team’s inability to compete when conceding in such a manner.

    The first goal came in the 91st minute when Andre Ayew conceded a penalty, and the second resulted from a misjudgment by Richard Ofori, leading to a corner and Mozambique’s equaliser.

    This pattern of defensive lapses echoed throughout the tournament, contributing to the team’s struggles.

    With hopes of advancing to the round of 16 relying on complex mathematical calculations as one of the four best third-placed teams, the Black Stars face slim chances.

    Expressing his dissatisfaction to the media in the mixed zone after the game, Odoi delivered a blunt assessment of the team’s performance, highlighting the critical need for defensive improvement to remain competitive in the tournament.

    “If you look at the goals we conceded, we can’t say we deserve any more. It’s just about the goals we conceded; they are stupid,” he said.

    “Stupid mistakes and if you give away the balls like that, we cannot compete.”

    Ghana is third in Group B with two points from a 2-1 defeat to Cape Verde in their opening game, a 2-2 draw against Egypt in the second and another 2-2 draw versus Mozambique in the final match, which they had under control for more than 90 minutes.

  • Mozambique will beat Ghana if they score the first goal – Eagle Prophet

    Mozambique will beat Ghana if they score the first goal – Eagle Prophet

    Renowned Ghanaian prophet, Prophet Reindolph Oduro Gyebi, popularly known as Eagle Prophet, has predicted a win for Mozambique in the clash against the Black Stars today.

    Ghana is gearing up for its final Group B game against Mozambique at 8 pm today, and for Prophet Reindolph Oduro Gyebi, Ghana’s best chance would be to strike first.

    According to him, it would be game over for the senior national team should Mozambique score the first goal.

    “The dangerous aspect is, once Mozambique scores Ghana, it will be difficult for Ghana to equalize. They will score another. I’m prophesying and not predicting.

    “The only thing is Ghana should not sit down,” he said.

    He also alleged that there is a spirt of confusion around the Black Stars camp.

    “Once they drop the confusion and theh succeed, even those 2 goals will be little. They will be able to score 5 goals,” he added.

  • Ghana’s AFCON champions visit Black Stars ahead of Mozambique game

    Ghana’s AFCON champions visit Black Stars ahead of Mozambique game

    On Saturday, four Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) champions, Rev. Osei Kofi, James Kuuku Dadzie, Kofi Pare, and Willie Klutse, graced the Black Stars’ training ground in Bengerville to inspire and motivate the team ahead of their crucial final group B clash with Mozambique on Monday.

    These football legends, present in Cote D’Ivoire to support the team in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Cote D’Ivoire 2023, bring a wealth of experience and success to boost the current squad.

    Rev. Osei Kofi, a revered figure for both Asante Kotoko and Ghana, was a joint top scorer in the 1965 Africa Cup of Nations tournament, guiding Ghana to its second triumph. He also secured the third-highest scoring title in the 1968 Africa Cup of Nations.

    Kofi Pare, a participant in the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, and a member of the 1965 Africa Cup of Nations-winning squad, boasts a remarkable achievement of scoring six goals in a single match, the highest ever recorded in Ghana.

    James Kuuku Dadzie, esteemed as one of Ghana’s finest central defenders, played a pivotal role in the squad that clinched victory in both the 1978 and 1980 African Cup of Nations, contributing to Ghana’s historic three-time win in 1978.

    Kuuku Dadzie has also served as the coach of the Black Queens, Mysterious Ebusua Dwarfs, and Tema Youth SC.

    Willie Klutse, part of the Ghana squad that triumphed in the 1978 Africa Cup of Nations and scored against Nigeria in the finals, currently serves as the Technical Director of former Premier League side Inter Allies Football Club.

    These football legends, present in Abidjan since the commencement of the tournament, have been actively supporting the team from the stands during the group games against Cape Verde and Egypt.

    Ghana is set to face Mozambique at Stade Alassane Ouattara in Ebimpe on Monday, January 22, 2024.

  • Majeed Ashimeru likely to play Mozambique game – Chris Hughton hints

    Black Stars head coach Chris Hughton is optimistic about the fitness of Majeed Ashimeru and believes the signs are positive for him to be ready for the upcoming game against Mozambique.

    Ghana is set to face Mozambique in their final group game of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Monday evening, aiming to secure progression to the next round.

    There were concerns about Ashimeru’s fitness after he sustained a knock during the previous game against Egypt.

    However, Chris Hughton, addressing the press ahead of Monday’s crucial encounter, confirmed that the Anderlecht midfielder should be fine and available for the game against Mozambique.

    “We are still assessing him [Ashimeru], but the signs are good, he will train with the team, today [Sunday], but the signs are good that he will be fine,” he said.

    “This was the situation in the game against Egypt where we had to bring him off.”

    Majeed Ashimeru has started both of Ghana’s group games in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) held in Ivory Coast, playing against Cape Verde and Egypt. However, he has not completed a full game in either of these fixtures due to an injury concern.

    Despite his injury-related substitutions, Ashimeru has been one of the standout performers for Ghana in the competition. His availability for the upcoming game against Mozambique is considered crucial for the team’s success.

    The match against Mozambique is scheduled for today, with kickoff at 8:00 pm.

  • We must avoid the small mistakes when we face Mozambique – Denis Odoi

    We must avoid the small mistakes when we face Mozambique – Denis Odoi

    Ghana defender Denis Odoi has issued a warning to his teammates, urging them to avoid repeating mistakes as they prepare to face Mozambique in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

    Ghana, currently with just one point in Group B, is set to play against Mozambique in their final group stage match, with hopes of advancing to the knockout stages still alive.

    The Black Stars experienced missteps in their previous two games, including a late collapse against Cape Verde and individual errors leading to a draw against Egypt.

    Odoi highlighted the importance of avoiding mistakes, citing miscommunication and individual errors from previous matches. He emphasized the need for the team to stay focused and maintain concentration throughout the upcoming crucial encounter against Mozambique.

    “If we lose, we do not lose as individuals, we win together and we lose together. I don’t think it is due to the pressure. At this level, you make certain mistakes,” the right-back said.

    “In the upcoming game, we have to try and avoid the small mistakes and be very ready and focused throughout the game.”

    Chris Hughton’s men are hopeful a win on Monday, January 22, will be enough to take them through to the last 16.

  • “The players know what it will take to get a result” – Chris Hughton ahead of Mozambique derby

    “The players know what it will take to get a result” – Chris Hughton ahead of Mozambique derby

    Head coach of the Black Stars, Chris Hughton, has expressed confidence that his team is well-informed about the necessary steps to achieve a positive outcome in their final group stage match at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

    Ghana is set to face Mozambique on Monday evening, aiming to secure their first three points of the tournament following unsuccessful attempts in their initial two matches.

    The Black Stars suffered a defeat in their opening game against Cape Verde and then experienced the frustration of relinquishing their lead twice, resulting in a draw against Egypt in their second fixture.

    With only one point in hand after the draw with the Pharaohs, Ghana enters the last round of group fixtures with the potential to advance to the next stage if they secure a victory.

    Addressing the press ahead of Monday’s game, Hughton said: “The players know what it will take to get a result. There are no easy games in this tournament. We have to be physically and mentally prepared for this.”

    A win for Ghana would give them four points and move them to second, depending on the results of the fixture between Egypt and Cape Verde.

  • AFCON: Cape Verde thrashes Mozambique in 3-0 win, secures round of 16 pot

    Cape Verde progressed to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) knockout round, after thumping Mozambique 3-0 in Group B out in Ivory Coast.
    Mozambique appeared unsettled right from the beginning of the match, committing two turnovers just outside their box in the early minutes of the game.


    Their nervousness proved detrimental as, in the 32nd minute, Tiago Manuel Dias Correia (commonly known as Bebe) unleashed a powerful shot into the back of the net, giving his team the lead heading into halftime.


    In the second half, Mozambique faced a further setback when Kaizer Chiefs defender Edmilson Dove lost possession, allowing Ryan Mendes to extend the Blue Sharks’ lead.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ml1pI7s9GA

    The situation escalated for the Mambas when Kevin Pina’s powerful strike from outside the box in the 69th minute extended the lead to three on the scoreboard and ensured that they became the first nation to progress to the knockout stage.


    The Blue Sharks have maintained a threatening presence in the early stages of Afcon, and their supporters can take pride in how the team has composed themselves against their opponents.


    The Mambas faced difficulties finding their rhythm and appeared a shadow of themselves after securing a 2-2 draw against Egypt.

    They will head back to the drawing board, aiming to make adjustments ahead of their final group match.
    Cape Verde are set to face Egypt on Monday, January 22.

    While, Mozambique will go up against Ghana on the same day.

  • We have to stay focused for game against Mozambique –  Daniel Amartey

    We have to stay focused for game against Mozambique –  Daniel Amartey

    Ghana defender Daniel Amartey has urged his teammates to maintain focus ahead of their crucial game against Mozambique in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

    The Black Stars need a victory in this match to enhance their chances of advancing to the next round after settling for a 2-2 draw against Egypt in their second Group B game.

    ““I think we have to stay focused to the end and talk more. I think the boys did very well against Egypt,” he said after the game.

    Despite a remarkable performance from Mohammed Kudus, who scored twice and was named the Man of the Match, defensive errors cost Ghana the opportunity to secure all three points against Egypt.

    The upcoming match against Mozambique is pivotal for Ghana’s progression in the tournament.

    Quizzed if Ghana could progress, he said, “Yeah. We have to stay focused throughout the games. I think we did well and on Monday, we have to go all out against Mozambique.”

  • AFCON: “We lost concentration” – Egypt coach on draw with Mozambique

    AFCON: “We lost concentration” – Egypt coach on draw with Mozambique

    Egypt’s coach, Rui Vitoria, attributed his team’s unexpected 2-2 draw against Mozambique in their opening Group B game of the Africa Cup of Nations in Abidjan on Sunday to a momentary lapse in concentration.

    Mohamed Salah came to their rescue with a late penalty, sparing Egypt from their first-ever defeat to Mozambique.

    The turn of events saw Mostafa Mohamed scoring in the second minute for Egypt, only for Mozambique to respond with two rapid goals in the second half.

    Salah’s successful conversion of the spot-kick occurred seven minutes into stoppage time, salvaging a draw for the Egyptian team.

    “We lost concentration for three minutes, but we are still in the race to qualify; nothing is lost,” Vitoria told beIN Sports.
    Although Nantes striker Mohamed opened the scoring with a fine shot on the turn, Egypt never really clicked into gear. Apart from a Mahmoud Trézéguet effort that hit the outside of the post, Mozambique were barely troubled at the back in the first half.

    Salah, predominantly positioned as a deep-lying forward rather than a right winger, encountered a subdued performance. Meanwhile, Mozambique exhibited liveliness in their offensive play, consistently overpowering Egypt’s weak midfield and exploiting vulnerabilities in their defensive flanks.

    Mohamed, who made his Nations Cup scoring debut after featuring in the previous edition in Cameroon, attributed Egypt’s fatigue to the high humidity levels in the Ivorian capital.

    “The weather in Africa is different; the humidity is high and the concentration drops,” he said. “The best thing is that we learn early, so we know our mistakes before the crucial rounds, like the quarter-finals or the round of 16.”

    Egypt is set to face their primary rivals, Ghana, on Thursday in their upcoming match, followed by the conclusion of their group stage campaign against Cape Verde on January 22nd.

    “Each match has a different situation; the teams may not be at their best on a given day, but we have to prepare well for the match against Ghana,” Portuguese boss Vitoria added.

  • Egypt manages a draw against Mozambique after late goal from Salah

    Egypt manages a draw against Mozambique after late goal from Salah

    Mohamed Salah played a crucial role in ensuring Egypt avoided defeat, scoring from the penalty spot to secure a 2-2 draw against Mozambique in Group B of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

    The seven-time AFCON champions got off to a strong start with Mostafa Mohamed finding the net within two minutes to give them the lead.

    However, quick goals from Witi and Clesio in the second half brought hope for Mozambique to secure their first victory in the tournament.

    With the game hanging in the balance, Edmilson Macandza’s challenge on Mostafa Mohamed led to a late penalty for Egypt. Salah stepped up and calmly converted the spot-kick in the seventh minute of added time, securing the draw for his team.

    The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) played a role in suggesting a review of the challenge, prompting referee Dahane Beida to assess the situation on the screen. Salah’s precise penalty, striking the inside of the left-hand upright, salvaged a point for Egypt.

    In their next matches, Egypt is set to face Ghana on January 18, while Mozambique will go up against Cape Verde.

  • Misinformation about cholera causes deadly violence in Mozambique

    Misinformation about cholera causes deadly violence in Mozambique

    Health officials say that wrong information about a cholera outbreak in northern Mozambique has caused people to riot and some have died.

    The WHO said that false information about the disease has caused problems.

    We checked out some protests on social media and local news to see what caused the problems.

    Recently, a man was killed by a group of people in Gurue town in Zambezia province. The people wrongly thought he was spreading cholera. This was reported by health officials.

    A video seen by the BBC and shared on social media shows a large crowd watching a man’s body.

    In another protest, four people died when police fought a group attacking homes and property belonging to local officials in Nacala Porto in Nampula province.

    In Cabo Delgado province, police shot into the air to break up a group of people trying to attack a health centre in Meluco district.

    What do people think is true.

    We don’t know for sure what is causing the misinformation to spread, but we have some ideas from watching social media.

    Cholera grows where there is not enough clean water and good sanitation.

    Some people are saying online that things like adding chlorine to water and using purifiers are making the disease spread, but that is not true.

    The BBC reporter in Maputo says most violent cases of cholera are caused by wrong information.

    Also, they are going after the leaders who encourage people to use the purifiers. He says people wrongly think the leaders are part of the group that is spreading the water-borne disease.

    In a message with the video of the killing in Garue, it was said that the victim had given out harmful “dust” at a place in the neighborhood.

    The person from WHO in Africa in Mozambique, Severin von Xylander, says wrong information is bad because it can make people do things that spread disease.

    Mozambique has been fighting a disease outbreak since September of last year.

    It’s just one of several countries in the area dealing with more cases of cholera. Other countries include South Africa, Malawi, Zimbabwe, DR Congo and Kenya.

    “This makes people not trust the health experts, which makes it harder for them to respond to public health problems and makes outbreaks last longer. ”
    Graph showing 30,943 people have cholera and 135 have died.

  • Family planning transforms lives in conflict-hit Mozambique communities

    Family planning transforms lives in conflict-hit Mozambique communities

    In the early morning, people line up outside Lichinga Health Centre in Niassa province, Mozambique, as medical staff prepare to treat patients.

    In the wake of a complex crisis fueled by armed group attacks and climatic shocks, health professionals, supported by UNFPA, strive to provide life-saving sexual and reproductive health-care services, including family planning, HIV testing, and gender-based violence response.

    The initiative has brought positive changes, increased capacities, and a decrease in early pregnancies.

    UNFPA works to ensure contraceptive availability and provide training on long-term family planning methods.

    Community leaders and volunteers engage youth, discussing socio-cultural barriers and advocating for informed reproductive health decisions.

    Radio broadcasts in local languages further extend outreach efforts. This project, funded by the Government of Sweden, aims to strengthen sexual and reproductive health and gender-based violence response services in crisis-affected provinces.

  • Mozambique reveals final 23-man squad for 2023 AFCON

    Mozambique reveals final 23-man squad for 2023 AFCON

    Mozambique, Ghana’s group opponent in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), has unveiled its 23-man squad for the tournament hosted in Ivory Coast.

    Coach Chiquinho Conde announced the squad, and Mozambique is placed in Group B, alongside Egypt, Ghana, and Cape Verde.

    The 23 Mozambique players selected for the TotalEnergies AFCON 2023

    Goalkeepers

    Ernan Siluane

    Fasistencio Joao

    Ivane Urrbal

    Defenders

    Domingos Macandza

    Domingos Macandza

    Infren Matola

    Edmilson Dove

    Bruno Langa

    Reinidlo Mandava

    Edson Sitoe

    David Malembana

    Feliciano Jone

    Amade Momade

    Midfielders

    Joao Bonde

    Ricardo Guimaraes

    Shaquille Nangy

    Alfonso Amade

    Strikers

    Elias Pelembe

    Geny Catamo

    Witness Ouembo

    Gildo Vilanculos

    Stanley Ratifo

    Pachoio King

  • Renowned journalist from Mozambique killed close to capital

    Renowned journalist from Mozambique killed close to capital

    Well-known Mozambican reporter João Chamusse was discovered dead near his house in the outskirts of the city Maputo. It is believed to be a murder.

    The local news says that he was attacked and killed by people no one knows. His neighbors heard him shouting for help on Thursday morning.

    Other journalists say Chamusse had a cut on his head and a machete and gardening hoe were found close to his body.

    Chamusse, who owns and helps run Ponto por Ponto, an online newspaper, gave his opinion on TV about the government.

    The paper says its editorial director was killed with a knife.

    The Media Institute of Southern Africa in Mozambique said they were very upset about the killing.

    The group said Chamusse helped fight for freedom of the press and expression in the country.

    The Committee to Protect Journalists is very upset about the journalist’s killing and wants the authorities in Mozambique to thoroughly investigate what happened.

    Mozambican officials have not said anything about the murder yet.

  • 45,000 hens in Mozambique set ablaze amid spread of South African bird flu

    45,000 hens in Mozambique set ablaze amid spread of South African bird flu

    More than 45,000 hens have been culled, incinerated, and buried in southern Mozambique to curb the spread of avian flu. These birds were originally imported from South Africa, which is grappling with a severe bird flu outbreak.

    The disease has now reached Mozambique’s Morrumbene district in the southern Inhambane province, raising concerns about its potential spread.

    Avian flu is highly contagious among poultry and wild birds, and it can rapidly affect entire flocks through droppings, saliva, or contaminated feed and water.

    The outbreak has resulted in egg and chicken shortages, causing prices to surge in Mozambique, including the capital, Maputo.

    The price of chicken has nearly doubled from 350 Mozambican metical ($5; £4) to 600, and a dozen eggs have risen from 100 to 150 metical.

    The 45,000 hens were destroyed due to their contact with infected chickens from South Africa, according to Mozambique’s National Director of Livestock Development, Américo da Conceição.

    These hens had been imported to Mozambique for egg production.

    South Africa’s bird flu outbreak has forced the culling of seven million egg-laying hens, equivalent to 20-30% of the country’s total stock, according to the South African Poultry Association. The outbreak has also led to egg and chicken meat shortages in South Africa.

    Mozambique has banned the importation of chickens, eggs, and chicken feed from South Africa as a response.

    Additionally, the circulation of chickens, eggs, and animal feed from the outbreak’s epicenter, Morrumbene, to other parts of Mozambique has been halted.

    Authorities have confirmed that the hens were incinerated to prevent people from taking and consuming them after the culling.

  • 45,000 hens burns in Mozambique to combat bird flu

    45,000 hens burns in Mozambique to combat bird flu

    Officials in southern Mozambique have killed, burned, and buried over 45,000 hens to stop the spread of bird flu.

    The birds were brought in from South Africa, which has seen a large number of cases of the disease.

    The disease has now spread to a district called Morrumbene in Mozambique’s southern province of Inhambane.

    Officials are trying to control it as worries increase that it could move to different areas of the country.

    Bird flu is a sickness that can spread among chickens, ducks, and other birds in the wild.

    This disease can spread quickly among groups of pet birds in just a few days. It can be transmitted through their droppings, spit, or by consuming contaminated food and water.

    The outbreak has caused a lack of eggs and chickens, and prices have gone up a lot in recent days in Mozambique, including in the main city Maputo.

    The cost of chicken has almost doubled, going from 350 Mozambican metical to 600. Similarly, the price of a dozen eggs has increased from 100 metical to 150.

    The 45,000 chickens that were burned had been around chickens in South Africa that had bird flu, according to Américo da Conceição, Mozambique’s National Director of Livestock Development.

    The chickens were brought to Mozambique specifically to lay eggs.

    South Africa has been dealing with a severe bird flu problem. To control it, poultry farmers had to kill seven million hens that lay eggs. This accounts for about 20-30% of all the hens in the country. The South African Poultry Association provided this information.

    The spread of the disease has made it difficult to find enough eggs and chicken meat in the country.

    Mr Da Conceicao said that Mozambique has stopped allowing chickens and chicken-related products, like eggs and chicken feed, to be imported from South Africa.

    The government has also banned the movement of chickens, eggs, and animal feed from Morrumbene, which is the main area affected by the outbreak, to other places in Mozambique.

    Officials said the chickens were cooked to stop people from taking and eating them after they were killed.

  • Numerous people hurt as riot police used tear gas during election protests in Mozambique

    Numerous people hurt as riot police used tear gas during election protests in Mozambique

    In the capital city of Mozambique, Maputo, the police used tear gas against protesters from the opposition. The protesters claim that the local elections held last week were manipulated to benefit the ruling Frelimo party.

    Many people got hurt a little when they ran away from the police.

    “They didn’t have to do this, you know, because this is a democracy, right. We are walking calmly and we don’t want any issues with anyone,” explained one person protesting.

    Experts are wondering if the government-owned electricity company in Mozambique intentionally stopped the power supply to disrupt the election.

    In Maputo City, power outages don’t happen very often. It’s amusing how, right on election day, during the vote counting, the busiest parts of town lost power for several hours. In the past elections, this has also occurred, according to researcher Zenaida Machado from Human Rights Watch.

    The main opposition party, Renamo, did not win any cities even though they previously governed seven of them.

    According to news sources, two Mozambican courts cancelled the election results in Chokwe district in southern Gaza province and Cuamba district in the northern Niassa province. The reason for cancellation was irregularities found during the election process.

  • TotalEnergies sued following terrorist incident in Mozambique

    TotalEnergies sued following terrorist incident in Mozambique

    Three people who survived a terrorist attack in Mozambique and four family members of the victims have taken legal action against the French oil company TotalEnergies.

    The people who survived and their family members, who are from Britain and South Africa, are blaming Total for not taking proper care of its subcontractors and causing their deaths.

    Many people, including workers hired by TotalEnergies, were killed in March 2021 when a group of Islamist militants attacked the city of Palma in Mozambique.

    The attack happened close to a place where a gas project is being done. TotalEnergies owns part of this project.

    The government of Mozambique said that 30 people died in the attack, but a journalist named Alex Perry found that 1,402 people died or went missing, including 55 workers from the company Total.

    The lawsuit says that TotalEnergies didn’t tell the subcontractors working there about the danger of possible attacks.

    The lawsuit also claims that TotalEnergies did not have enough safety measures in place and did not allow a helicopter to refuel and rescue its workers.

    The people who made the complaint say that the militants killed some workers who were hired by TotalEnergies while they were running away from the hotel.

    “It is being said that TotalEnergies did not directly cause the deaths of the victims, but they did not behave responsibly as expected of a professional in fulfilling their duties,” stated their lawyers.

    According to Reuters, TotalEnergies has denied the survivors and victims’ families’ claims, calling them “incorrect”. The company also mentioned that it removed all its employees from the site.

  • Mozambique makes arrests related to fatal motorbike accidents

    Ten alleged motorcycle taxi driver assassins have been detained in Tete, a city in western Mozambique that is rich in coal and energy.

    The defendants, who were identified to the media by the Mozambican police, are charged with robbing people and killing motorbike taxi drivers in Tete areas.

    Feliciano da Câmara, the Tete police spokeswoman, claimed that some of his officers killed a member of the major opposition movement in the country—the former rebel Renamo movement—last week and took his motorbike.

    The police official claimed that they also stole a significant amount of money from their victims.

    Some of those being held refute any involvement in the crimes.

  • Police in Mozambique deny allegation of plotting to kill politician

    Police in Mozambique deny allegation of plotting to kill politician

    Mozambique’s police chief, Bernardino Rafael, has refuted allegations of officers being involved in attempts to assassinate politicians in the run-up to the local elections scheduled for October.

    The mayors of Nampula province, Paulo Vahanle, and Quelimane, Manuel de Araújo, both members of Mozambique’s primary opposition party, the former rebel group Renamo, have claimed to have survived assassination attempts. They have accused police agents of carrying out these attacks.

    However, speaking over the weekend, the police chief dismissed these accusations as unfounded and false. He suggested that political parties fabricated these claims to divert attention from their own inadequacies in terms of policy proposals.

    Furthermore, he pointed out that such allegations could have negative consequences for the politicians and parties making them, as the same police officers they accuse are also voters.

    Bernardino Rafael affirmed that Mozambique’s police force is fully prepared to ensure order and security during the upcoming electoral process.

  • Fear and panic in northern Mozambique over decapitation

    Fear and panic in northern Mozambique over decapitation

    The recent beheading of two individuals by suspected Islamist militants in northern Mozambique has sparked alarm, particularly because such atrocities had become less frequent in recent years.

    This reduction in violence was partially attributed to the deployment of regional troops two years ago, assisting the national army in reclaiming territory from the jihadists in Cabo Delgado province.

    While the presence of these troops allowed some people to return to their villages, it also created an opportunity for retreating insurgents to establish relationships with villagers, often buying food from them.

    In recent times, the militants have shifted their focus from local populations to primarily targeting the defense forces.

    However, on Monday, the decapitated bodies of two fishermen were discovered in a bush near the village of Litamanda in Macomia district.

    It is believed that the killings occurred over the weekend, with witnesses reporting the presence of a group of militants near the victims’ residence, located approximately 20 kilometers (12 miles) from Litamanda.

    This incident follows another beheading that took place in Cabo Delgado two months prior.

    The resurgence of such brutal acts is causing significant concern among villagers in the region who had hoped for an end to the six-year-long insurgency. The unsettling events underscore the ongoing challenges in achieving lasting peace and security in the area.

  • Villagers in Mozambique: “Jihadists are gone, but we have no food”

    Villagers in Mozambique: “Jihadists are gone, but we have no food”

    Families who were compelled to flee their homes in northern Mozambique due to the violence caused by Islamist militants are now facing a dire food shortage upon returning.

    Having been unable to cultivate their land in the Nangade district, these families lament the lack of assistance provided by both the government and humanitarian organizations.

    As a result, residents have resorted to subsisting on wild yams known as mingõko and are constructing their own huts by cutting grass.

    The Nangade district, situated in the resource-rich province of Cabo Delgado, has become an attractive target for jihadists who seek to exploit its valuable natural resources.

    Since 2017, these militants have been engaged in conflict with the government, resulting in the deaths of over 4,000 individuals and the displacement of 800,000 people from their homes within the province.

    In Nangade, families have been able to return to their villages after Mozambican security forces and international allies successfully expelled the militants.

  • Ex-minister of Mozambique extradited to the US for debt scandal trial

    Ex-minister of Mozambique extradited to the US for debt scandal trial

    South African justice ministry, former Mozambique finance minister Manuel Chang has been extradited from South Africa to the United States on Wednesday to face prosecution for his alleged involvement in a $2 billion debt scam.

    Chang, who has consistently maintained his innocence, has been held captive in South Africa since 2018 after being seized there at the US government’s request on suspicion of money laundering and conspiracy to commit fraud.

    Later, Mozambique also asked for his extradition, and the two nations engaged in a legal and political battle over Chang’s ownership. In a final ruling issued in May, the constitutional court of South Africa refused Mozambique permission to appeal.

    “The Ministry of Justice and Correctional Services confirms that the Republic of South Africa’s law enforcement agencies successfully surrendered Mr Manuel Chang to the United States of America on July 12, 2023,” a ministry statement said.

    The U.S. allegations concern loans from Credit Suisse and Russia’s VTB bank that were approved by Chang while he served as Mozambique’s finance minister from 2005 to 2015. The loans were guaranteed by the Mozambique government.

    A large portion of the funds disappeared, and the projects for which the loans were purportedly intended never materialized. According to U.S. investigators, the projects, which included shipyard development, maritime security, and tuna fishing, were a front for a complex bribery and kickback operation.

    When the true scale of the borrowing was made public in 2016, donors including the International Monetary Fund withdrew their support for Mozambique, which led to the collapse of the local currency and a debt default.

  • South Africa to hand Mozambique ‘tuna bond’ minister to US FBI

    South Africa to hand Mozambique ‘tuna bond’ minister to US FBI

    South African police have confirmed that Manuel Chang, the former Finance Minister of Mozambique, will be extradited to the United States to face fraud and corruption charges.

    Chang has been in custody in South Africa since December 2018.

    During his tenure as Mozambique’s finance minister, the country guaranteed over $2 billion in secret loans by state-owned firms, leading to a major corruption scandal and subsequent economic collapse.

    The funds were allegedly used for various purposes, including the purchase of a large tuna factory, earning the scandal the nickname “tuna bond” scandal.

    Last year, 11 individuals, including the son of Mozambique’s former president, were convicted of embezzlement and money laundering in connection with the same scheme. However, Chang maintains his innocence.

    It is now understood that Chang will be escorted by FBI officials from Lanseria airport in Johannesburg to New York, where he will stand trial. The Mozambican authorities had sought to have Chang returned to Mozambique for trial rather than being extradited to the US.

    According to South African authorities, Chang is expected to face charges in the US related to loans acquired from Credit Suisse and Russia’s VTB bank, which were guaranteed by the Mozambican government.

    Some of these loans were not properly disclosed and were authorized by Chang during his tenure as finance minister from 2005 to 2015.

    The US has indicted Chang, alleging his involvement in the misappropriation of funds that were invested by American investors.

  • Mozambique to set up new schools close to distant mountain range

    Mozambique to set up new schools close to distant mountain range

    Six schools were built by the Gorongosa National Park in central Mozambique with an investment of more than $1 million (£800,000).

    These schools will house pupils who attend school in the area’s mountain range.

    The administrator of the conservation area, Pedro Muagura, says that this is an initiative that brings together several partners, aiming to improve access to basic services for the local community.

    The project includes the construction of laboratories, sports fields and houses for teachers.

    The park, one of Mozambique’s famous conservation areas, was, for many years, badly affected by a rebel conflict.

    Most of its wildlife, decimated during the civil war, has been restored thanks to an investment from the US-based Greg Carr Foundation.

  • Mozambique increases electricity supply to South Africa amid crisis

    Mozambique increases electricity supply to South Africa amid crisis

    In response to a lack of supply and frequent blackouts, Mozambique has offered to send 100 MW of power to South Africa, which is nearby.

    The offer, announced in the South African capital Pretoria on Monday, follows a request by the South African government last month.

    Mozambique’s Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Carlos Zacarias said the commercial agreement defining the price and how and when the energy would be channelled to South Africa “should be closed very soon”.

    South Africa’s electricity minister, Kgosientsho Ramokgoba, said he was “happy” with the swift response by the Mozambican government, adding that technicians were working to make operations viable.

    Mr Zacarias announced that Mozambique would make available, within six months, another 600MW of additional energy.

  • Mozambique’s rare ruby sells for $35m

    Mozambique’s rare ruby sells for $35m

    In a momentous auction held in New York, the largest ruby ever presented for sale has been sold for a remarkable price of nearly $35 million (£28 million).

    Unveiled last year, the colossal gemstone weighing 55.22 carats was unearthed in a mine located in Mozambique.

    Originally an uncut marvel boasting a weight of 101 carats, the ruby has been christened “Estrela de Fura,” which translates to “Star of Fura” in Portuguese, paying homage to the mining company responsible for its discovery.

    Polished rubies exceeding five carats in size are exceedingly scarce, making this gem a truly extraordinary find.

    Sotheby’s, the renowned auction house responsible for facilitating the sale, hailed the ruby as a “once-in-a-lifetime” jewel, underscoring its rarity and allure.

    Furthermore, this noteworthy auction also witnessed a record-breaking price achieved for a pink diamond.

    A magnificent 10.5-carat gem originating from Botswana, described as a fancy purplish-pink stone, commanded a price just shy of $35 million.

  • Unrest in Mozambique over cholera outbreak misinformation

    Unrest in Mozambique over cholera outbreak misinformation

    Health officials report that false claims regarding the spread of a cholera outbreak in northern Mozambique have resulted in violent protests and fatalities.

    The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified instances where misinformation about the disease has contributed to these acts of unrest.

    Examining the protests through social media posts and local media reports, we have gained insight into the underlying causes of the disturbances.

    In a recent incident in the town of Gurue, Zambezia province, a man was fatally beaten by individuals who falsely accused him of spreading cholera, as confirmed by health officials.

    A graphic video circulating on social messaging platforms, witnessed by the BBC, depicts the man’s body surrounded by a large crowd.

    A crowd gathers near where a man was killed outside a health centre in Gurue

    Image caption, The death of a man in Gurue was recorded in a video obtained by the BBC

    In another protest, four individuals were killed during clashes between police and a group that attacked homes and properties belonging to local officials in Nacala Porto, Nampula province.

    In Cabo Delgado province, located further north, police resorted to firing shots into the air to disperse a crowd attempting to assault a health center in the Meluco district. These incidents highlight the dangerous consequences of misinformation and the urgent need to address the dissemination of false claims during public health crises.

    It is unclear what is fuelling the misinformation – which is largely spreading through word of mouth – although our monitoring of social media has provided some insight.

    Cholera thrives in conditions where water sanitation is inadequate.

    Some online posts claim falsely that measures implemented by local health officials, such as adding chlorine to water supplies and the use of purifiers, are in fact spreading the disease.

    The BBC’s Jose Tembe in Maputo says almost all violent cases related to cholera stem from misinformation.

    “Also targeted are grassroots leaders who mobilise people to use the purifiers. The leaders are falsely thought to be part of the alleged group spreading the water-borne disease,” he says.

    In a caption accompanying the video of the killing in Garue, the victim was alleged to have distributed infected “dust” at a property in the area.

    The WHO Africa representative in Mozambique, Severin von Xylander, says misinformation is dangerous because it can fuel behaviour that drives the spread of disease.

    Mozambique has been battling an outbreak of the disease since September last year.

    It’s just one of many countries in the region facing rising cases of cholera, including South Africa, Malawi, Zimbabwe, DR Congo and Kenya.

    “This, in turn, undermines trust in health authorities, which hampers public health responses and ultimately prolongs outbreaks.”

  • Mozambique families displaced over invasion by crocodiles, others

    Mozambique families displaced over invasion by crocodiles, others

    In central Mozambique, more than 1,000 families are facing displacement due to ongoing attacks by wild animals.

    The head of the local administration in Marromeu district, Sofala province, has stated that the government plans to relocate approximately 1,500 families who are at risk from these attacks.

    Henriqueta de Rosário, the local official, mentioned that three individuals have already lost their lives in wildlife attacks during the first quarter of this year.

    Buffaloes from the Marromeu Special Reserve, located in the Zambezi river delta, have encroached upon residential areas, prompting the local population to seek safety on nearby river islands.

    Unfortunately, even as they seek refuge on these islands, the displaced families now face the added threat of crocodile attacks. The situation requires urgent attention to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected communities.

    “The conflict between man and wildlife is a growing reality” said Ms Rosário, adding that many people were threatened.

    She said that at least 400 people had already signed up for a voluntary resettlement initiative to leave the area.

  • Japan promises to assist Mozambique battle terrorism

    Japan promises to assist Mozambique battle terrorism

    The prime minister of Japan, Fumio Kishida, says his nation is prepared to help Mozambique combat terrorism.

    The Japanese PM is visiting Mozambique as part of his six-day tour that took him to three other African countries – Ghana, Kenya and Egypt.

    He said Japan was interested in financing the fight against terrorism in northern Cabo Delgado province, which would allow Japanese companies that are part of the consortiums exploiting natural gas in the Rovuma basin, to operate in a safe environment.

    The province in the north has been besieged by a Islamic militant insurgency for years.

    Mr Kishida and Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi spoke of a need for Japanese private investment in “structural areas” of the economy, with a view to concrete results in bilateral co-operation.

    Mr Nyusi urged the Japanese to explore investment opportunities in transport, agriculture, industry and tourism.

  • Over 500 dead due to Cyclone Freddy attack

    Over 500 dead due to Cyclone Freddy attack

    According to authorities in Malawi, Mozambique, and Madagascar, the number of fatalities caused by the unusually long-lasting Tropical Storm Freddy in southeast Africa has increased to 522.

    The number of fatalities increased to 438 on Saturday, according to the disaster management officials in Malawi, the country that was most severely affected by the cyclone. Lazarus Chakwera, the president of Malawi, announced a 14-day period of national mourning on Thursday.

    There are hundreds of evacuation centers set up across the nation for survivors, with 345,000 people impacted by the severe rains, floods, and landslides, and tens of thousands of people left homeless in Malawi.

    The cyclone left a trail of devastation in southeast Africa. Neighbouring Mozambique and the island nation of Madagascar have also been affected.

    In Mozambique, at least 67 people died, according to President Filipe Nyusi, with 50,000 more displaced.

    It is expected that the death toll in both nations will continue to climb. At least 17 people were killed in the island nation of Madagascar.

    Cyclone Freddy dissipated over land late Wednesday after it made a second landfall in Mozambique and then Malawi over the weekend and caused mass devastation in several regions, including Malawi’s financial capital, Blantyre.

    Some of the Cyclone Freddy survivors at a camp in Blantyre, Malawi [Rabson Kondowe/Al Jazeera]
    Some of the Cyclone Freddy survivors at a camp in Blantyre, Malawi [Rabson Kondowe/Al Jazeera]

    Reporting from Makanga, an island in Malawi, Al Jazeera’s Fahmida Miller said that while rescue services were continuing, they have been slow to transport people from flooded islands to the mainland.

    “So far, they [the police services] have reached about 1,300 people, but hundreds more are waiting. They have had to seek refuge in trees. Their homes have been washed away and they also don’t have any food,” said Miller.

    “It will certainly be at least a few more days before a bigger dent is made in terms of rescuing people in places like this, which have been very difficult to reach up until now,” she added.

    Freddy first made landfall on February 21 in Madagascar. From there, the storm moved on to Mozambique and then back across the Indian Ocean. On March 11, it reached Mozambique for the second time and then moved on to Malawi.

    “A lot of areas are inaccessible, restricting movement of assessment and humanitarian teams and life-saving supplies,” said Paul Turnbull, the World Food Program’s director in Malawi. “The true extent of the damage will only be revealed once assessments have been concluded.”

    Before the hurricane hit, there was a cholera outbreak in both countries, and there are worries that the floods would worsen the spread of water-borne illnesses. Early in the year, floods and Freddy’s initial battering both affected Mozambique.

    According to scientists, cyclone activity has gotten worse due to human-caused climate change, becoming wetter, more intense, and more frequent.

    Since it devastated Mozambique, Madagascar, and Réunion in late February, Cyclone Freddy has wreaked havoc throughout southern Africa. Then, after regaining strength across the Mozambique Channel, it looped back onto shore.

    The World Meteorological Organization has convened an expert panel to determine whether Cyclone Freddy has broken the record for the longest-ever cyclone in recorded history.

    Southern Africa is currently in cyclone season, which can bring rain and severe storms until March or April.

  • Forecast for Cyclone Freddy to hit Mozambique again

    Forecast for Cyclone Freddy to hit Mozambique again

    Forecasts from the Mozambican weather service indicate that moderate Cyclone Freddy is headed back toward the Mozambique Channel and might potentially reach the Zambézia and Sofala areas.

    The storm, according to meteorologists, is moving at a speed of 13 km/h towards the south-west coast of Madagascar, and could reach the severe tropical storm stage on Monday.

    Mozambique’s National Institute of Meteorology has predicted continued heavy rains (more than 200mm in 24 hours) over the ocean and winds of up to 110km/h, accompanied by gusts of up to 150km/h, which could disturb the sea generating waves that are about 10ft (3m) tall.

    The agency has warned people to take precautionary and safety measures.

  • Mozambique to vaccinate 720 000 people against cholera

    Mozambique to vaccinate 720 000 people against cholera

    As the nation takes up control efforts against an epidemic that has so far resulted in 5260 illnesses and 37 fatalities since September 2022, Mozambique today launched a cholera vaccine campaign that would reach around 720 000 people in eight districts.

    People aged one year and older will be vaccinated in the five-day campaign, which started just 10 days after the country took delivery of vaccine doses. Alongside the vaccination campaign, health authorities are also reinforcing disease surveillance, prevention and control measures, treatment as well as raising public awareness to curb the spread of the disease and end the outbreak.

    “The vaccination campaign will be crucial in stemming the spread of cholera and help save lives,” said Dr Severin von Xylander, World Health Organization (WHO) Representative in Mozambique. “We are also working with the health authorities to bolster key outbreak response measures and have deployed staff in the three most affected provinces to support the provincial health authorities to detect, prevent and halt cholera this outbreak.”

    WHO has also disbursed US$ 856 000 to support the response in Mozambique and provided medical supplies and medicines. Mozambique recorded a sharp increase in cases since mid-December 2022. Cholera has so far been reported in five of the country’s 11 provinces. The northern Niassa, Sofala and Tete provinces are the worst affected.

    During the vaccination campaign vaccinators will use a mixed approach of vaccinating patients in health centres, through mobile teams and by door-to-door visits. Oral cholera vaccines will be used in conjunction with improvements in water and sanitation to control cholera outbreaks and for prevention in areas known to be high risk for the disease.

    “We celebrate the launch of this vital immunization campaign alongside the Government of Mozambique and our Alliance partners.” said Thabani Maphosa, Managing Director, Country Programmes Delivery at Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. “The recent rise in disease outbreaks and the risks they present demonstrate the importance of our work in funding the Global Oral Cholera Vaccine Stockpile, cholera response campaigns and access to outbreak response vaccines for diseases such as cholera, measles, yellow fever and polio.”  

    Despite a global shortage of cholera vaccines and increased demand due to a rise in outbreaks globally, WHO and its partners, including Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and have been able to supply vaccines to countries most affected by cholera in the southern Africa. Mozambique received around 720 000 doses of the oral cholera vaccine.

    The strain on the availability of vaccines prompted the International Coordinating Group (ICG) on Vaccine Provision to temporarily suspend the standard two-dose vaccination regimen in cholera outbreak response campaigns, using instead a single-dose approach. The ICG is an initiative which aims to manage emergency supplies of vaccines and is a partnership of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Médecins sans Frontières United Nations Children’s Fund and WHO.

    Cholera is an acute, extremely virulent infection that can spread rapidly and cause dehydration resulting in high morbidity and mortality. However, the disease is easily treatable. Most people can be treated successfully through prompt administration of oral rehydration solution or intravenous fluids.

    The disease is endemic in Mozambique and, together with other diarrhoeal diseases, is a major cause of infant death. There are yearly outbreaks in the country’s northern provinces.

    Cholera transmission is closely linked with poor sanitation and inadequate access to safe drinking water. Extreme climatic events such as droughts and floods are worsening the cholera risks. In Mozambique, floods due to the current rainy season have affected over 39 000 people, claimed nine lives and caused extensive damage to infrastructure, including roads, bridges, health centres and 76 000 homes.

  • Corpses in Mozambique washed by floods

    Corpses in Mozambique washed by floods

    Floodwaters have carried corpses from a cemetery on the banks of the Umbeluze river close to Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, into surrounding homes and onto farms.

    The consequences of the surging waves that inundated numerous neighborhoods in the Boane area, roughly 25 km south-west of the capital, and elsewhere were depicted in televised photographs.

    According to reports, the bodies’ dispersion threatens public health.

    The corpses were collected throughout the course of the weekend by local residents.

    The impacted cemetery dates back more than three decades and has a large number of unmarked graves.

    Tropical Cyclone Freddy made landfall in the country on Friday leading to major flooding across the region.

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • Killers of albino in Mozambique jailed 30 years

    Killers of albino in Mozambique jailed 30 years

    A court in Mozambique has jailed five of the eight individuals convicted of killing an albino man in July of last year.

    Eight to thirty years is the range of the sentences.

    According to the judge, the defendants had engaged in aggravated homicide, possession of human remains, and criminal association.

    Additionally, they must give $5,000 (£4,000) to the victim’s relatives.

    Four of the five suspects admitted to being involved in the crime, but they would not identify the perpetrators.

    They had a market in the district of Murrupula for the sale of the albino victim’s bones.

    The co-defendants told the court that they had dismembered the victim’s body, removed his arms and then handed him over to a foreign citizen in Mozambique who paid them about $95,000 (£80,000).

    To commit their crime, the convicts lured their victim to a location where they said they would introduce him to a girlfriend.

  • Climate change the cause of Mozambique fish deaths

    Climate change the cause of Mozambique fish deaths

    Scientific tests have proven that the high amounts of fresh water from rivers draining into the sea were what killed the fish on Mozambique beaches earlier this month.

    On February 10, the BBC reported on the dead fish that had been washing up in Maputo Bay and worrying the authorities.

    Lidia Cardoso, the minister of fisheries, stated on Wednesday that the findings showed that the primary contributing factor was the change in meteorological circumstances.

    She also denied rumors that the fish had been poisoned with chemicals.

    “[It] had nothing to do with chemical components. The discharge from the rivers due to the floods affected the fish, which are very vulnerable to stress – and because the salinity level in the water dropped, the fish died,” she said.

  • Mozambique prepares for Cyclone Freddy

    Mozambique prepares for Cyclone Freddy

    Authorities in Mozambique are preparing for Cyclone Freddy by building shelters and planning to evacuate residents of high-risk areas.

    Five people were killed when the strong cyclone made landfall in nearby Madagascar on Tuesday. It is predicted to get stronger before making landfall in south-central Mozambique on Friday.

    According to officials, the provinces of Sofala, Inhambane, Manica, and Gaza are the most vulnerable.

    The national risk management organization has issued a red alert that enables quick response times.

    Heavy rains have already caused flooding in some parts of the country and the authorities say additional rain from the cyclone might affect up to 1.75 million people

    In Zimbabwe, officials said they will close schools on Friday in areas likely to be affected. People have also been warned against crossing swollen rivers and miners warned against going underground.

    The cyclone is expected to bring high winds and heavy rains to eastern, southern and central Zimbabwe.

  • Mozambican pastor dead after attempting 40-day fast

    Mozambican pastor dead after attempting 40-day fast

    A preacher from Mozambique passed away after fasting for 40 days in an effort to break the world record set by Jesus on the Mount of Olives in the Bible.

    The death of Francisco Barajah, the pastor and founder of the Santa Trindade Evangelical Church in the central province of Manica, was confirmed on Wednesday.

    He was sent to a hospital in Beira while in critical condition, where he passed away while receiving medical care.

    He had dropped so much weight after 25 days of fasting that he was unable to move, stand up, or even take a bath.

    Days later, at the insistence of relatives and believers, he was taken to a hospital but attempts to get him back to health were unsuccessful.

    Believers at his church and his neighbours have been unsurprised at the turn of events, due to his extreme weight loss and disfigured body frame in recent days.