AFRICA/MOZAMBIQUE - President Nyusi recognizes the Church's role in national reconciliation

Maputo (Agenzia Fides) - "The Catholic Church has always called on the Mozambican society to appreciate all people, especially those who are most vulnerable and in need", acknowledged the President of Mozambique, Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, during his speech on the occasion of the Mass celebrated in the Cathedral of Tete on Monday, September 7, the anniversary of national independence from Portugal. According to information sent to Fides, the President expressed appreciation for the role carried out by the Catholic Church in preserving peace and for its efforts for national reconciliation.
On September 7, 1974 the agreement between FRELIMO (National Liberation Front of Mozambique) and Portugal was signed in Lusaka (Zambia), which ended the war for national independence. Soon after, in 1975, the outbreak of the civil war between FRELIMO, and RENAMO (Mozambique National Resistance) exploded. Only in 1992 the civil conflict was solved with the active participation of the Catholic Church in the peace talks.
The celebrations for national independence this year coincided with the 75th anniversary of the Archdiocese of Maputo, the capital of the Country.
President Nyusi was represented by Prime Minister Carlos Agostinho do Rosario. He asked all the faithful, and society in general, to take concrete actions to maintain and consolidate peace. Recalling the slogan of the celebrations of the anniversary of the Archdiocese ("Thank the Lord for the wonders made in recent years"), the Premier stressed that "only true peace can allow Mozambicans to 'do wonders' in the future". (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 09/09/2015)