Mozambique: Defence Forces closing in on Mariano Nhongo, says minister – AIM report

Login

Register

http://www.clubofmozambique.com/

Mozambique: Defence Forces closing in on Mariano Nhongo, says minister – AIM report

7:37 CAT | 05 Feb 2021

Nhongo.enamojunta.op_.PRESIDENTE-JUNTA-MILITAR-

FILE PHOTO - Mariano Nhongo. [File photo: DW]

The Mozambican defence and security forces are tightening their net around Mariano Nhongo, leader of the dissident “Renamo Military Junta”, in order to “neutralize” him rapidly, Defence Minister Jaime Neto told reporters on Wednesday.

Speaking after the Maputo ceremony marking Heroes’ Day, Neto said the main goal of the defence forces in the central provinces is to bring Nhongo to justice.

Nhongo’s group has continued to attack vehicles on the main roads in Manica and Sofala provinces, and he has spurned the attempts by President Filipe Nyusi to persuade him to join the current demobilisatom and disarmament of the Renamo militia.

“We are doing all that we can to neutralize Mariano Nhongo, whether by capturing him, or by other means”, said Neto. “What we are able to achieve, we shall do”.

Asked whether the government has given Nhongo a deadline to turn himself over to the authorities, Neto replied “it’s a challenge, because he’s in the bush, in hiding and a fugitive. The truth is that the defence and security forces are tracking the man, and will continue to work so that results can soon be presented publicly”.

As for the fight against islamist terrorists in the northern province of Cabo Delgado, Neto said intensive work has been undertaken by the defence forces, and, thanks to this, the level of terrorist attacks has been reduced,

“We are continuing to hunt the enemy units until they are completely dismantled”, said the Minister.

He urged young Mozambicans to pay no attention to any attempts to recruit them into the terrorist ranks. Those who had already been enticed into joining the jihadist group, should abandon the terrorists, and return to their homes, he added.

Anyone who left the ranks of the terrorists would be received by the local authorities and reinserted into Mozambican society, where they could contribute to the development of the country, Neto promised.

Source: AIM