International mediators return home – State News Agency

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International mediators return home – State News Agency

7:29 CAT | 28 Jul 2016

The international mediators assisting with the dialogue between the Mozambican government and the opposition party Renamo announced on Wednesday that they are leaving the country but will return on 8 August.

Speaking in Maputo at the end of a meeting of the Joint Commission, which is composed of six representatives from the government and six from Renamo, the spokesperson for the mediators, Mario Raffaelli explained that the break was for logistical reasons.

Whilst the immediate aim of the dialogue is to create the conditions for a face-to-face meeting between President Filipe Nyusi and Renamo leader Afonso Dhlakama, the top priority is putting an end to the violent campaign being carried out by Renamo’s armed militia in the centre of the country.

Last week discussions began with the demand by Renamo that it takes power in the provinces where it claims to have won the 2014 elections. Mozambique has eleven provinces and Renamo wishes to rule over the central and northern provinces of Manica, Sofala, Tete, Zambezia, Nampula, and Niassa.

Raffaelli added that on Wednesday the mediators presented a proposal on how this issue could be tackled, which will be left with the Joint Commission to discuss.

According to Raffaelli, the mediators have met twice with President Nyusi and have maintained contact with Dhlakama by telephone.

Other points on the agenda include the immediate cessation of military action, the reintegration of Renamo’s armed militia into the national defence and security forces, and their reinsertion into society.

The international mediators were invited by the two sides. However, the Joint Commission has pointedly stated that it sees the mediators as one block, and not invitees of one party of the other.

Not all of the mediators attended the opening of the talks. However, the full list of mediators is: Ketumile Masire (Global Leadership Foundation); Jakaya Kikwete (Tanzania); Ibrahim Msambaho (Tanzania); Angelo Romano (European Union); Mario Raffaelli (European Union); Sir Robin Christopher (Global Leadership Foundation); Jonathan Powell (Inter Mediate); Thanduyise Chiliza (South Africa), Mandlenkosi Memela, and George Johannes (deputy representatives for South Africa); Edgar Pena Parra (Apostolic Nuncio to Mozambique); Joao Carlos Hatoa Nunes (secretary of the Mozambique Episcopal Conference); the Ambassador of the European Union; and Mandisi Mpahlwa (the South African High Commissioner).

Source: AIM