Listen: Mariano Nhongo confirms attacks against “Military Junta” bases – Mozambique

Login

Register

http://www.clubofmozambique.com/

Listen: Mariano Nhongo confirms attacks against “Military Junta” bases – Mozambique

3:16 CAT | 27 Nov 2019

File photo: Voa Portugues

Mariano Nhongo, the leader of the Renamo “Military Junta” splinter group, on Tuesday confirmed several attacks on the group’s bases in the Mozambican provinces of Manica and Sofala, but said he was “prepared” to defend himself against military offensives by Mozambique’s Defence and Security Forces (FDS).

“I was not (at the base), but my men were shelled,” Mariano Nhongo said with reference to one of the FDS raids.

Another guerrilla told VOA that one of the group’s bases in Gorongosa, not far from the Pungwe River, was also attacked. “There was an attack, but no-one was hurt” he said.

The region has been the scene of the largest number of attacks on civilian buses, with a police patrol car set on fire also.

Mariano Nhongo, who leads a group of guerrillas at odds with the opposition Renamo military wing, said he had left the group’s main base at Gorongosa but remains alert to the machinations of his pursuers.

“I live like that, as a military man: I defend myself,” the former military strategist of the historic Renamo leader Afonso Dhlakama said. “Anyone following me or approaching me, I shoot.”

When asked if he felt threatened by President Nyusi’s orders to the FDS to hunt down the armed groups that have attacked civilians and military in the central region since August, Nhongo replied: “The arm threatens.”

Since August, at least 12 people, have been reported dead, including members of the Defence and Security Forces, and several wounded.

On Tuesday, November 26, two people were injured during a new attack on a cargo truck in the Muda Serração area of Gondola district in Manica central province.

By André Baptista

Source: Voa Portugues