« Maputo is at present a hell »

The NGO SED, belonging to the Marist Brothers of Spain, has issued a press release, dated 3 September 2010, which brings to public notice a letter from Marist Brother Simeón Banda, who finds himself caught in Maputo, capital of Mozambique, with a Salesian priest. The brother sends out an alarm call: the situation in the streets of this African city has become critical. Following the increase in the price of basic commodities, the people have invaded the streets in protest; most public services in Maputo are at a standstill. The brother says that it is the worst strike the capital has known. Maputo has been without control for many days. Its inhabitants have begun fleeing and violence reigns in many districts of the city. The hospitals are overflowing.

At the novitiate, we stay at home, like other religious. It is the worst situation I have seen since I arrived in Mozambique in 2006. Pray for us. Pray for Mozambique! Pray for a rapid and Christian response to arrive in order that a solution may be found to the problem. Thus ends the message of Brother Simeón.