Political dialogue in Mozambique a matter of both skepticism and optimism

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Political dialogue in Mozambique a matter of both skepticism and optimism

4:36 CAT | 06 Jun 2016

VOA / Afonso Dhlakam (L) and president Filipe Nyusi (R) in 2015

The Joint Committee which is preparing a meeting between Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi and Renamo leader Afonso Dhlakama continues to insist that its work is being performed in a cordial manner and that there is progress.

However, with neither a date nor a location yet announced, some observers and sectors of Mozambique society are beginning to show signs of skepticism, largely on the grounds of the lack of any change in the public positions taken by both the government and Renamo.

Some analysts wonder if the government will accept Renamo’s demand to govern the six provinces where it claims victory in the general elections of 2014, or whether Dhlakama’s party is ready to surrender its weapons.

This week, Dhlakama again publicly reiterated Renamo’s provincial governance requirements, saying “We want Frelimo to accept that Renamo appoints governors to these provinces”.

There are however those who remain optimistic, given the way the meetings of the Joint Committee have gone, and who assume that the Renamo leader’s statements are just part of the pressure being exerted on the government to end the political and military tension in the country on favourable terms.

Source: VOA Portugues