Covid-19: Renamo’s Ossufo Momade calls for extension of state of emergency

Login

Register

http://www.clubofmozambique.com/

Covid-19: Renamo’s Ossufo Momade calls for extension of state of emergency

1:28 CAT | 27 Apr 2020

Photo: Renamo Maputo / Facebook

Ossufo Momade, president of the Mozambican National Resistance (Renamo), the main opposition party in Mozambique, today called for the prolongation of the state of emergency on the grounds of the increase in the number of cases of infection, and asked for support for the poor strata of the population.

“In view of the progressive increase in the spread of Covid-19 in the country, Renamo recommends the extension of the state of emergency as a means to prevent us from reaching Stage 4 restrictions – lockdown – which would be catastrophic for the whole country,” he said.

Ossufo Momade was speaking to journalists at Renamo headquarters in Maputo

To make an extension of the state of emergency more bearable, Renamo proposes that “water and energy services must be free of charge for the poorest – employees and workers who receive the minimum wage”. Momade also proposes reducing the rate of Value Added Tax (VAT) and suspending all toll fees.

Renamo says conditions must be created for the resumption of activities in the informal sector, while ensuring social distancing is observed. “Never stop the humble Mozambican from earning his or her bread. They depend on a meagre Income, earned on a daily basis,” Momade noted.

Renamo also proposes that the Fire Service be used to disinfect gathering places, and the creation of financial and moral incentives for all professionals in areas exposed to Covid-19, particularly in the health sector.

Nyusi holds meeting with Raul Domingos

President Filipe Nyusi meanwhile held a consultative meeting this Friday, April 24, with the president of the Party for Peace, Democracy and Development (PDD), Raúl Domingos.

In a communication made through his official Facebook page, President Nyusi reported that, among other matters, the two addressed security in the country, the DDR process, and the government’s action in the economic and social areas.

Last week, the president of the PDD proposed, in a virtual meeting of more than 20 political parties organised by the Institute for Multiparty Democracy (IMD), that Nyusi should listen to the other political parties before deciding upon further Covid-19 counter-measures, taking into account that the current state of emergency ends next Thursday, April 30th.

Source: Lusa / Sala da Paz