Former UK embassy staff protest in Maputo to demand reparations
Ex-workers rallied to demand social security benefits.
Around 30 former workers from the British Embassy in Mozambique staged a peaceful protest outside the institution on Tuesday demanding compensation and social security rebates.
“We were forcibly evicted from the embassy 20 years ago and we started a legal process where we won, but they didn't want to comply with the court's decision,” said a spokesman for the Commission for Former Employees of the British High Commission in Mozambique. Lusa told Agostinho Pelembe during a protest in the center of the Mozambican capital, Maputo.
At issue are claims for compensation and Social Security deductions for a total of 108 former employees of the embassy's security department, which were sought in a lawsuit dating back to 2005.
Former employees gathered outside the embassy, singing songs and holding signs reading phrases such as “We are the citizens of Mozambique asking for help.”
“A case was ruled in our favor 20 years ago. The embassy had an opportunity to appeal. [já] did so, but in its appeal, the Supreme Court confirmed the decision of the first instance,” highlighted Agostinho Pelembe.
Lusa contacted the United Kingdom Embassy in Maputo, which promised to comment as soon as possible.
A group of former workers say the demonstrations will be peaceful every Tuesday near the headquarters of the British High Commission in Maputo.
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