Mozambique: President Nyusi meets Vietnam's Deputy Prime Minister
The mayor of Lichinga, Saide Amido, sentenced last week to 18 months in prison for corruption, has had his sentence commuted to a fine and was back at work on Monday, refusing for now to give interviews and saying only that he is in good health.
The opposition is highly critical of his return to work, with the main opposition party, Renamo, saying he should immediately vacate his post. According to the Renamo delegate in Niassa, Saide Fidel, “the image of the mayor has been completely destroyed”.
“Saide Amido will return to direct the Municipal Council and manage the taxes of the citizens of the city of Lichinga, will walk through the neighbourhoods telling people to pay taxes and make declarations about transparent management, but no one will believe him,” says Fidel.
MDM delegate Awilo Alique agrees.
“He is a convict, he should not return to the post,” Alique says. “Citizens don’t care for thieves. He is a well-known thief and will carry no weight or credibility,” he explains.
Residents of Lichinga divided
Lichinga residents however are divided.
One told DW Africa that “if the matter is seen as addressed, he should go back to work”.
Another, also requesting anonymity, says that he disagrees with the situation and believes most people disapprove of the mayor’s behaviour. “I think it’s not a good thing, and normally he should be serving his sentence,” he said.
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