AfricaPress-mozambique: One thousand and seven hundred children from the districts of Mueda and Macomia, some of the latter the victims of terrorism, spent African Children’s Day, the 16th of June, doing something different
With General Commander of the Police of Mozambique Bernardino Rafael in charge, the children enjoyed a party, complete with a gift of balls from President Filipe Nyusi, who had said he did not want to let the date pass unnoticed.
“I brought balls offered by the President of the Republic to help you grow. Play in your free time, as a good way to avoid thinking bad things. Occupy yourselves in your free time so you grow up strong and healthy,” Commander Rafael advised.
He also explained that June 16 has, for him, a special and very particular meaning. In addition to being the Day of the African Child and of the Metical, destiny had he himself born precisely on that day – and in the very year of the Massacre of Mueda (1960).
“So, when celebrating the anniversary, we decided to join and socialise with the children of Mueda, whom we ask not to be taken in by those who want to turn them into child soldiers, in this case, the terrorists (…) Do not accept invitations to do ugly things,” Rafael pleaded.
The children thanked the commander for the gesture and promised to be vigilant.
Governor of Cabo Delgado, Valige Tauabo, who was also present at the children’s party, said that surveillance should be a priority in all communities, as a way to secure and preserve peace and social well-being.
“And in particular here, in Macomia, in Aldeia Xinavane, we have to remain vigilant. We cannot be distracted (…) Our Defence and Security Forces are doing a difficult job to make us happy, so that our children can go to school. We must remain vigilant,” Tauabo said.
