The Mozambican head of state, Daniel Chapo, expressed his condemnation of the persecution suffered by elderly people who are accused of practicing witchcraft. During a public rally held in the district of Mapai, in Gaza province, he emphasized the need to protect this age group.
Chapo made these statements in the context of a four-day working visit to the region, focused on governance actions aimed at being participatory, inclusive, and close to communities. Taking advantage of the International Day of Older Persons celebrations, he advocated for greater safeguarding of the elderly.
The President stressed that the treatment given to the elderly currently will have direct implications on how future generations perceive old age. He reinforced the idea that the care provided to parents and grandparents today will determine the support children receive in the future.
Chapo expressed deep concern over incidents of persecution directed at the elderly based on allegations of witchcraft, a problem that persists in various areas of the country. He strongly warned against accusing the elderly of sorcery or killing them on such accusations, alerting that such violence may fall upon those who practice it in the future.
The head of state insisted that reaching old age should be seen as a 'blessing' and never as a reason for exclusion or violence. He established that protecting the elderly is a shared obligation of families and communities, thus promoting a culture of respect between generations.
In his message to the Mozambican people, especially the youth, Chapo reiterated the fundamental importance of caring for the elderly. Furthermore, he linked the valuing of the elderly to the promotion of peace and social cohesion, arguing that hatred, intolerance, and violence harm national progress.
The President also issued a warning against the spread of rumors and false information, pointing out that many acts of violence in Mozambican communities originate from unfounded rumors. Without citing specific cases, he criticized the use of these allegations about supernatural powers to justify aggression, classifying them as 'lies' and 'rumors' intended to undermine the peace and security of the Mozambican people.
Daniel Chapo urged citizens to report any situation that threatens peaceful coexistence and to reject divisive discourse. He stated that the best police force in any nation is the people themselves. Finally, the leader defended the unity of Mozambicans, emphasizing that political, religious, social, or cultural differences cannot be used as justification for conflicts, as no Mozambican has the right to attack another simply for having different opinions or choices.
The rally took place during the President's working visit to Gaza province, during which other measures were announced, including doubling the funds of the Local Development Fund (Fidel), free issuance of identification documents for one year, and distribution of resources to combat conflicts between wild animals and populations in the Mapai district.