Mozambique: Government ratifies defence cooperation agreements
Lusa (File photo) / Renamo leader Afonso Dhlakama
The Police of Republic of Mozambique (PRM) yesterday denied Renamo accusations of provocative actions in violation of the 60-day truce declared in January, reiterating that the situation was “normal”.
Speaking during the weekly press review of police activities, PRM General Command spokesman Inácio Dina said that there was no record of any incident associated with the political and military crisis between the government and Renamo (Mozambican National Resistance), the country’s main opposition party.
“We have no [such] information, everything is normal,” the Mozambican police spokesman said.
Renamo has alleged several “provocations in violation of the truce” declared by Renamo leader Afonso Dhlakama, including homicides, abductions, robberies, intimidation and extortion.
The latest case was announced by party spokesman António Muchanga and concerns about 12 party members who were allegedly “arrested and tied up” at a military unit in Mocuba, Zambezia province.
“We are very concerned about these 12 members, tied up at the Defence and Security Forces barracks,” Muchanga told Lusa on 19 Jan. Muchanga had previously mentioned other truce violations cited by his party leader.
The Renamo leader warned last week that “truce violations” in Mozambique weakening the two-month ceasefire, and called for a renewed commitment from the government.
In an assessment of the first period of the truce, Dhlakama told Lusa by phone from Gorongosa that there had been no record of violations by military clashes, but cited cases of abduction and murder of members of his party which had compromised the process.
“I want to appeal for de facto collaboration,” the opposition leader said, adding that he has already discussed the issue with the Mozambican president so that the government might “starts learning and responding to what Renamo and Dhlakama are doing”.
On 3 January, the Renamo leader announced a 60-day extension of the temporary truce declared a week earlier to allow peace talks in Mozambique to take place in an atmosphere of calm.
Following the truce, Dhlakama and Nyusi also agreed on a new format for peace negotiations, which includes a specialized technical group to discuss the decentralization process, one of the main unresolved topics on the talks agenda.
Renamo has not renounced the presence of international mediators, who, before leaving Maputo in December, said they would only return if invited.
Central and northern Mozambique have been plagued by military violence for more than a year following Renamo’s refusal to accept the results of the 2014 general election and demanding to govern in the six provinces where it claims victory in the polls.
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