By Sheila Nhancale and Noémia Mendes
Maputo (MOZTIMES) – Mozambique Riot police (UIR) on Wednesday dispersed and arrested dozens of former RENAMO guerrilla fighters who had barricaded themselves inside the party president Ossufo Momade’s office, demanding his resignation from the party leadership.
According to eyewitnesses, UIR agents stormed the building after firing warning shots into the air and launching tear gas. The ex-combatants were forcibly removed from the premises and taken to a police station on the outskirts of Maputo.
Speaking by phone to MOZTIMES, João Machava, a spokesperson for the former fighters, said the detainees were taken to the UIR’s 18th police station. As of now, it remains unclear whether they are formally under arrest or what treatment they will receive.
The police have yet to issue an official statement on whether the detainees will be released or face formal charges.
The former RENAMO combatants accuse Ossufo Momade of sidelining them in the Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) process. The occupation of the office marked the culmination of a series of sustained protest actions, including the takeover of several provincial offices and, more recently, the party’s national headquarters. (SN/NM)
