Chapo Calls for Increased Production, and Denounces Rumour Mongers

By Paul Fauvet

Maputo (MOZTIMES) - Mozambican President Daniel Chapo has urged the people of Barue and Guro districts, in the central province of Manica, to reject rumours and concentrate their efforts on increasing agricultural production.

Speaking at the start of a three day working visit to Manica, Chapo stressed that it was through increased production that Mozambicans can reduce external dependence and minimise the effects of the current world crisis.

Like many other countries, he said, Mozambique is suffering the impact of the war waged by the United States and Israel against Iran, which has blocked the Strait of Hormuz, the key waterway through which 20 per cent of the world’s traded oil and gas supplies used to pass.

It was this war in the Middle East, he continued, which has pushed up fuel prices and consequently the prices of many other basic goods.

“The best way of relieving the impacts of this crisis is to work the land and produce food so that we can escape from economic dependence”, insisted Chapo.

The difficulties arising from adverse phenomena, including the war against Iran, he continued, require unity, work and dedication from Mozambicans, in order to boost agricultural production and keep hunger at bay.

“No country develops while its people are hungry”, he claimed. “All Mozambicans, no matter where they are living, should work the land to guarantee basic products for their subsistence”. He stressed that Mozambique possesses extensive tracts of arable land that can be worked to produce food crops.

“If we produce these foods, we can reduce the costs of the products that reach our tables”, he said. “There are goods we don’t need to import because they can be produced in our own back yards”.

At his rallies in Guro and Barue, Chapo stressed the need to step up vigilance against individuals who are trying to sow instability through spreading “lies and rumours”.

“Let’s remain on our guard, so that we are not deceived”, he continued. “Lies and rumours are enemies of the people. We must fight against these evils which put our security at risk. The best policemen for our country are the people themselves”.

The latest rumour that has spread across the country is the claim that mysterious sorcerers can, through a mere touch or handshake, make their victims’ penises shrink or disappear. “These rumours come from the enemies of peace and development”, Capo stressed.

The rumours had led to panic and rioting in several parts of Mozambique in which innocent people had been murdered. (MT)