PRESS RELEASE
NO EMBARGO
24 August 2020
ACDP ATTACKS ISLAM IN NATIONAL PARLIAMENT FOR ATROCITIES IN MOZAMBIQUE
THE AL JAMA-AH views the ACDP’s accusations that “Islamic jihadists” are committing atrocities in Mozambique as a direct attack on Islam.
At a sitting in Parliament on 20 August 2020, the National Assembly House Chairperson, Hon. Ms Mmatlala Grace Boroto ruled that Hon. Ganief Hendricks (AL JAMA-AH leader in Parliament) had merely cautioned Hon Wayne Thring (ACDP) against using words loosely that may be deemed offensive by a certain section of society. During a sitting at the end of July 2020 Hon Hendricks was accused by another ACDP member, Hon Swarts of threatening Thring.
In her ruling, the chairperson stated: “While Members in the Assembly enjoy freedom of speech as enshrined in Section 58.1 of the Constitution of 1996, that freedom is subject to Section 16.2 of the Constitution – 1996 as provided for the rules and orders for the House, Rule 84 provides that no Member may use offensive, abusive, insulting, disrespectful or un-parliamentary words or language, no offensive or unbecoming gestures.”
AL JAMA-AH detests the ACDP’s referral to insurgence or third forces as “Islamic jihadists”. The term jihad simply means to struggle or strive for a praiseworthy cause and has nothing to do with “cowardly and brutal acts, burning of churches and kidnapping of girls,” as stated by Thring.
Hon. Hendricks says Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi admitted that the government had largely ignored the poverty- stricken areas in the Northern parts of the country, which has a large Muslim population. Nyusi reportedly stated the socio-economic conditions in Cabo Delgado compared to other provinces is impoverished, its people have a lack of access to healthcare and education services.
In media reports President Nyusi agreed there is no need for a military solution but to rather engage with leaders of the local communities. Hendricks added that the ACDP’s accusations are not supported by experts on the ground and it is also not the view of President Nyusi.
For further comments contact:
Mr Ganief Hendricks (AL JAMA-AH leader in Parliament)
Cell: 082 7802573