– Demobilised ex-guerrillas say they will shut down Renamo offices nationwide, risking clashes with police
By Noémia Mendes
Maputo (MOZTIMES) - Former Renamo guerrilla fighters announced on Monday in Maputo a new wave of protests against the leadership of Ossufo Momade. The protests will include the closure of the party’s offices across the country. The protesters are demanding the urgent convening of the National Council to discuss replacing the party president.
“We will not rest until we achieve our objectives,” said João Machava, spokesperson for the demobilised fighters, speaking to reporters. “The Mozambican people can count on our commitment to reclaim Renamo,” he added.
According to Machava, the closures will remain in place until the party’s statutes are upheld, particularly the holding of an expanded National Council that includes veteran combatants and senior cadres.
The last time Renamo’s demobilised members took similar action, occupying party offices, the protests were violently repressed by the police, resulting in several injuries and arrests.
The former guerrillas warned the government not to interfere, saying this could provoke widespread unrest. “If the government continues to interfere, we will be forced to react, and rest assured, no one will like our response,” Machava warned.
The Association of Fighters for Democracy (ACOLDE) has stated that convening the National Council is currently unfeasible, citing financial and logistical constraints.
In a recent interview with MOZTIMES, ACOLDE representative Domingos Gundana explained that the event would involve around 400 delegates elected during the party congress. He criticised the ultimatum issued by the demobilised group. “No one can impose deadlines on a structure they do not control. If they persist in blocking the process, the party will stagnate, and everyone loses,” he said. (NM)
