Nampula: Mozambique’s Archbishop of Nampula, Inacio Saure, publicly denounced the ongoing illegal occupation of Church land and strongly criticized authorities for failing to enforce a court order in favor of the Church. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Archbishop Saure highlighted the escalating destruction of Church property and the unlawful activities of squatters across several key ecclesiastical sites.
The Archdiocese’s most affected properties include the Mater Apostolorum Seminary, the Parish of Sao Joao Batista in Marere, and the Mater Dei Monastery. According to Archbishop Saure, squatters have torn down boundary walls, felled cashew nut trees, destroyed crops meant to sustain seminarians, and engaged in illegal construction and logging. He described these actions as not only an attack on the rights of the Church but also a violation of the rights of the poor whom the Church serves.
Archbishop Saure expressed deep concern over the authorities’ failure to act despite a May 2025 court ruling ordering the restitution of the occupied land and the eviction of squatters. “There is a stubborn refusal to vacate the land,” the Archbishop said. “This arrogance leads us to believe that there is an invisible hand linked to powerful people who are encouraging the crimes committed by the squatters.”
The prelate stressed that the lack of enforcement has emboldened illegal activity and fostered a climate of impunity. For Archbishop Saure, the situation reflects broader challenges in the fair application of law in Mozambique.
Recalling historical injustices, the Archbishop noted that after independence in 1975, the Mozambican government nationalized several private and Church properties. Some of these assets, including infrastructure currently housing Rovuma University (Unirovuma) and Marrere General Hospital, remain unlawfully occupied.
“The law no longer seems to serve all in this land,” Archbishop Saure warned. “If anyone wants to turn Mozambique into a lawless village, we cannot remain silent. Church property is not merely an institutional asset it is meant to serve the poor and the community at large.”
He concluded with a strong appeal for solidarity from all Mozambicans and the international community, urging decisive action to ensure the restitution of Church lands and respect for the rule of law.
Archbishop Saure’s statements bring renewed attention to the urgent need for justice and protection of Church property in Nampula, highlighting the intersection of legal enforcement, historical grievances, and the rights of vulnerable communities.