Mozambican president convenes his first Council of State

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Mozambican president convenes his first Council of State

10:06 CAT | 01 Mar 2016

President Nyusi has convened the first Council of State since his inauguration for tomorrow, Wednesday, at a time when the country is experiencing a serious political and military crisis and economic difficulties, sources close to the presidency have told Lusa.

According to sources, the Secretariat of the State Council sent out invitations to the State Councillors, but the Office of the President has not confirmed this to Lusa, saying it would respond later. One source consulted by Lusa said that the meeting could not be held on Wednesday, because ministers will be in parliament.

The meeting coincides with a parliamentary questions session, the source continued, which could lead to it being postponed, as some of those who need to attend parliament are also members of the council.

Regardless of the date, and although Renamo (Mozambique National Resistance) sits on the body, the meeting happens at a time when the leader of the main opposition party is in Sadjundjira, Sofala province, central Mozambique, and an active player in the current crisis.

The Council of State includes former heads of state, current and former presidents of parliament, and members appointed by the president and parliament.

The convening of the State Council meeting comes at a time of intensified military tension, with attacks on military and civilian vehicles on two sections of the country’s main road in Sofala province ascribed to the armed wing of Renamo, and military confrontations also recorded in Zambezia and Tete.

Negotiations between the government and Renamo are blocked due to the latter’s refusal to resume dialogue without guarantees that it can assume to governance of the six provinces where it claims victory in the general elections of 2014.

Source: Lusa