Reacting to reports of attacks in the Cabo Delgado province of northern Mozambique the Commonwealth Secretary-General, The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC said:
“I am deeply shocked and saddened by recent reports of massacres by armed groups in several villages in Cabo Delgado province in northern Mozambique.
“I condemn these abhorrent and brutal attacks on innocent civilians and urge that an investigation be undertaken and those responsible held to account.
“These attacks and reports of the kidnapping of women, young people, and children are an affront to the fundamental principles of human rights and to our shared humanity. The Commonwealth and all our member states stand in solidarity with those affected and their families.
“The Commonwealth stands ready to provide any support we can to the people and Government of Mozambique as they strive to uphold Commonwealth values of respect for human rights while also combatting such hateful incidents of violent extremism.”