Sisters Ines and Eliane, from the Congregation of St. Joseph of Chambéry, had been kidnapped last August 12.
Newsroom( September 7, Gaudium Press) — The two Brazilian sisters belonging to the Congregation of Saint Joseph of Chambéry have been released. They had been kidnapped last August 12 in Mocímboa da Praia, Mozambique.
Sisters Ines and Eliane had been kidnapped in the midst of a widespread attack by al-Shabab militias. The jihadists had taken control of this port town in the province of Cabo Delgado.
Unable to face the Milicias, police and armed forces had been forced to retreat. The Mozambican government announced operations of reconquest.
Read also: Mozambique: nuns still missing after Islamic State attack
The nuns remained under the power of the Jihadists for 24 days.
A qualitative leap in the actions of the jihadists
The attack perpetrated by al-Shabab represents a qualitative leap in their action: formerly seen using old motorcycles and rudimentary weapons, now the jihadists were seen riding all-terrain vehicles and carrying automatic weapons. New training resources and supply chains are emerging in the country.
Some analysts suggest these may not be jihadists, but rather groups linked to large criminal networks. Their aim could be the establishment of this area as a stopover and a staging post for drug trafficking.
Sisters: A story of dedication constrained by violence
The Sisters of St. Joseph of Chambéry have been there since 2003. They have developed an intense network of nursery schools and a social center. Unfortunately, they have been forced to focus on Mocímboa da Praia only, due to the prevalent violence.
“Let us raise together a hymn of thanksgiving to God and let us continue to pray for all those who are still missing, displaced and suffering the consequences of violence and war,” said Bishop Luis Fernando Lisboa of Pemba, on the occasion of the release of the nuns.
With information from Fides.
