Mozambique: Renamo marks five years since Dhlakama died

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Mozambique: Renamo marks five years since Dhlakama died

8:40 CAT | 04 May 2023

Image: DW

The largest opposition party in Mozambique yesterday recalled the legacy of its historic leader, who died on May 3, 2018. Five years later, Renamo calls for “acknowledgement” of Dhlakama’s achievements, and the “unity” of the party.

The Mozambican National Resistance (Renamo), the largest opposition party in Mozambique, on Wednesday (03-05) honoured the achievements and legacy of Afonso Dhlakama, who died on this day in 2018. The tribute ceremony took place in the party leader’s home locality of Mangunde, in Chibabava district, Sofala province.

Current Renamo president Ossufo Momade led the tributes, saying that the date of death of Afonso Dhlakama was indelibly marked on the minds of party members.

Momade recalled that Afonso Dhlakama ” with his bravery, fought tirelessly for the well-being of the Mozambican population, imbued with the spirit of rescuing the people from the abyss in which they found themselves”.

“After long decades of struggle and sacrifice, Afonso Dhlakama’s achievements are unquestionable, which is why Mozambique recognises him as a national hero,” he said. “This celebration is a unique moment to praise and honour his voice, which will never die.”

“Also on this day, let us pay tribute to our fearless commander-in-chief, André Matade Matsangaíssa, with whom Afonso Dhlakama began the fight for democracy and for individual rights and freedom, earning our eternal salute,” Momade added.

Dhlakama.renamo.dw_ — *Dhlakama was buried on May 10, 2018, in a family cemetery in his home village [File photo: DW]*

A “void in the family”

Representing the family, Elias Dhlakama, the leader’s younger brother, said that Dhlakama was both commander in chief and a friend in the trenches, and his achievements should be remembered by the country’s citizens and rulers.

“As for the family, Afonso Dhlakama’s death left a void, because he solved problems for all of us,” he explained. “Both the family and the party lost a great man.”

Elias Dhlakama took the opportunity to appeal to Renamo supporters. “Appealing for our unity, because we feel that Frelimo is fragile, giving us a clear path to winning the municipal and the general elections, and together we must get involved in voter registration,” he urged.

The ceremony commemorating the fifth anniversary of the death of the leader of the country’s largest opposition party was celebrated under the motto “Dhlakama: The voice of truth yesterday, understood today”, and included cultural activities as well as the laying of a wreath on the tomb of the party’s historic leader.

Source: Deutsche Welle