Since the start of the election campaign, people affected by cyclone Idai in Sofala have been pressured to not support the opposition. In some cases, local leaders and party members threaten to remove individuals from the food-for-work project, and in others require voter cards in exchange for Idai food aid. The cases are reported by our correspondents in the districts of Buzi and Dondo, which were badly hit by the cyclone.
In Bandua, Buzi district, MDM supporters complain that they have been removed from the food-for-work project introduced after the cyclone, because they participated in their party’s campaign. They were informed that in order to receive Idai donations again, they must leave MDM and join Frelimo, our correspondents report.
In Buzi district, the food-for-work project is being implemented by World Vision. “Project management is done by community leaders. The information we receive from them is that the individuals referred to were removed from the program for not working,” the Project Coordinator at World Vision told the newsletter.
In a statement sent to the Bulletin, World Vision says it has been warned of episodes of alleged politicization of humanitarian aid it has provided, adding “World Vision-Mozambique is investigating the allegations”.
Meanwhile, in Dondo district, Frelimo members collect voter cards in exchange for donations for cyclone Idai victims in the Munhonha, Mussassa and 4 October districts in Mafambisse, Dondo, the Renamo political delegate Albano Luís reported.
