Catholic Peace Entity Condemns Rampant Sexual Enslavement of Mozambican Christians

The advice is based on allegations that the kidnapped women are infecting the ISIS fighters with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, AIDS.

“Captured women with AIDS who do convert can be released for a ransom or killed if they refuse to become Muslims,” the circular reads, adding, “Those who convert to Islam and are confirmed free of the disease can be given (to ISIS members).”

The document notes that non-virgin women should all take tests before they are given away as slaves to ISIS members.

Armed men belonging to the Islamic State, referred to as Al Shabaab in Mozambique, have been attacking innocent civilians, mostly targeting Christians since 2017.

The conflict has also been hinged on glaring socioeconomic disparities between Maputo, Mozambique’s capital, and the marginalized North, especially Cabo Delgado where fighting is concentrated.

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Terrorists have also made inroads into neighboring provinces of Nampula, and Niassa where they continue to attack civilians. In the latest attack, 11 Christians were reportedly separated from the Muslim population in the embattled Cabo Delgado province and executed.

Reports indicate that more than 800,000 people in these Mozambican Provinces are still displaced despite the return of some civilians and a heavy military presence.

Agnes Aineah is a Kenyan journalist with a background in digital and newspaper reporting. She holds a Master of Arts in Digital Journalism from the Aga Khan University, Graduate School of Media and Communications and a Bachelor's Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communications from Kenya's Moi University. Agnes currently serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.