Nyusi promises to continue efforts to speak with Dhlakama

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Nyusi promises to continue efforts to speak with Dhlakama

8:32 CAT | 06 Jun 2016

Domingo / Filipe Nyusi photographed during his visit to Mafalala

Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi on Friday declared that he will continue his efforts to persuade Afonso Dhlakama, leader of the Renamo rebels, to halt armed attacks and prioritise dialogue to achieve effective peace.

Speaking at a rally in the Maputo neighbourhood of Mafalala, Nyusi said the defence and security forces have been instructed not to open fire unless there are Renamo attacks. The government’s forces would only fire on Renamo in defence of the civilian population, and to guarantee public order and tranquillity.

Nyusi added that the friends of Mozambique should condemn the Renamo attacks and not merely call on Mozambicans to reach an understanding. Friends “should know how to condemn the ones who are doing the killing “, he stressed.

The Renamo attacks had a serious impact on the economy, the President added. This year there were some farmers in Sofala province who had been unable to produce crops because they were afraid they would come under attack from Renamo gunmen. Life had been disrupted in the central provinces because Renamo ambushes on the main roads hindered the free movement of people and goods.

Nyusi stressed that wherever he travelled in the country he was faced with messages condemning the Renamo attacks and calling for peace and dialogue. It was clear, he said, that Mozambicans “don’t want war”.

“I shall continue, with a cool head, to persuade the Renamo leader to talk, and to stop attacking”, he pledged.

A message presented by Mafalala residents at the rally not only condemned the attacks and called for peace, but also complained of an upsurge of crime in the area. They urged the government to install a police station and public street lighting in the neighbourhood. They also wanted a secondary school in Mafalala so that pupils would not have so far to walk to attend secondary classes.

Source: AIM