Mozambique

I rarely speak out about politics. I admit that, to some extent, I've always tried to keep my distance from debates about parties and ideologies. I never wanted to join these conversations because, honestly, I’ve never identified with any political party. I don’t align with the current opposition, but even less do I identify with the corruption, theft, killings, and criminalization that we live with today.

It has been seven years since part of our country was overtaken by terrorists. However, before that, the country had already been “swallowed” for at least 20 years by a group that swore to defend the nation, but has done everything but that. They rob us, kill us, and take away our hope.

No, it’s not the terrorists who are destroying us. It’s not the kidnappers who abduct us. It’s not the death squads who kill us.

Who really harms us is the system. Who truly harms us is a group that took over the party that was once a beacon of hope for many and is now a source of sorrow for everyone.

Unfortunately, we trusted you. You said you were change, but all we have seen is death—lives cut short, communities and histories destroyed. We have seen hunger grow, we are forced to live with insecurity, and we are subjected to constant violence.

And today, you tell us: “Let’s work!” Hmm.

Yes, today politics is my subject—not for the opposition, but for us. I join all the voices saying they’re tired, because I truly am. All I want is to be able to dream of a different Mozambique. I want to sleep without the feeling that, while I rest, there are people running through the woods to escape bullets.

I can’t stay silent anymore when the fight of those who take to the streets is also mine.

And what saddens me even more is to see the church playing the same role it did when colonialism took over this country.