Nyusi sends condolences to Putin and guarantees support after ambassador’s death

“A early departure of Ambassador Surikov, a dedicated diplomat, with exceptional qualities who, with unique professionalism, knew how to defend the interests of his country, while promoting fruitful cooperation between our two countries, leaves an immense void”, states the condolence message from Mozambican president.

In the same message, Filipe Nyusi reiterates the “solidarity” and “the full support of the Government of Mozambique for the subsequent procedures”.

The Mozambican Public Ministry said today that it is unaware of the alleged decision by the Russian authorities not to authorize the autopsy of the Russian ambassador found dead on Saturday in Maputo.

Alexander Surikov, 68, was found dead on Saturday night at his official residence in Maputo and, according to the Mozambican police, the Russian authorities did not authorize any examination of the body.

“About this topic [a não autorização de autópsia] I won’t be able to speak (…). I have no knowledge. But naturally, any criminal occurrence, if applicable, the Public Prosecutor’s Office takes note of”, the spokesperson for the Attorney General’s Office, Nazimo Mussá, told the media on the sidelines of the entity’s meeting in Maputo.

According to information from the Police of the Republic of Mozambique (PRM) that Lusa had access to on Sunday, the “presumption” of the investigation is “sudden death from undetermined causes”, however, when the police picket arrived at the morgue of the Central Hospital of Maputo “found that the body had already been packed”.

“And, following instructions from Russia, which reached the picket’s technical team through the consul of that Federation, Mr. Yuri Doroshenkov, who was present at the morgue accompanied by the embassy’s security officer, was instructed not to do anything ( …) examination of the body and much less an autopsy”, the information states.

“However, the technical team took photographs of the deceased’s body in the drawer, photographs were taken of his residence and the consul’s statement was taken”, he added.

In one of the few statements to the media, Ambassador Surikov had conveyed, in an interview with Lusa, on February 2, Moscow’s availability to support Maputo in the fight against terrorism in Cabo Delgado, in case of a request, noting, however, that the support the country is receiving is sufficient.

“If Mozambique requests something, we are at your side, but the situation is not so dramatic now”, declared Alexandre Surikov, reacting to a question posed by Lusa, on the sidelines of an event at the Palácio da Ponta Vermelha, official residence of the President of Mozambique, in Maputo.

The Russian ambassador even said that Maputo “can always count on Russia”: “We have experience of many years of cooperation in the military sphere with Mozambique, we helped this country build its armed forces and they know perfectly well about our capabilities. If If they need any specific help, we are always there.”

Read Also: Filipe Nyusi confirms “terrorist” attack on the district headquarters of Macomia

Download our free App.

Eighth consecutive year Consumer Choice for Online Press and elected product of the year 2024.
* Study by e Netsonda, Nov. and ten. 2023 product of the year – pt.com