Renamo accuses authorities of aggression in Zambézia

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Renamo accuses authorities of aggression in Zambézia

12:47 CAT | 18 Aug 2017

DW (File photo) / Renamo supporters in Zambézia

Mozambican National Resistance (Renamo) members in Nicoadala, in the central Moxambique province of Zambézia, are complaining of persecution, torture and destruction of party flags. Local authorities reject the allegations.

Renamo members in Nicoadala are not staying at home at night for fear of being beaten or killed by Rapid Intervention Force (FIR) personnel, one of them has told DW Africa on condition of anonymity.

“We are suffering in Nicoadala. There are a lot of problems here. They beat us and we are investigated. We are afraid of the FIR,” he says.

As well as being the targets of persecution, they claim that Renamo flags in yards are torn down. “We are being chased. Simply being here requires courage,” another party member said, again on conditions of anonymity.

Nicoadala Renamo district delegate Cardinal Muthepa confirms this version of events and says that the authorities are aware of what is happening but do nothing to stop the offenders.

Police deny allegations

The authorities deny the allegations, with Nicoadala police commander Manasseis Manasse claiming that relations in the district between the authorities and Renamo are good.

Manasse says that the only recorded case of destruction of Renamo party material was in November 2016, with no further reports since then.

Renamo provincial delegate Abdala Ossifo is asking party members to remain calm, especially after the peace talks in Gorongosa ten days ago between President Filipe Nyusi and Renamo leader Afonso Dhlakama.

“We have to follow the example of our leader,” Ossifo said. “We must put our anger aside and forget about the attacks.”

Source: Deutsche Welle