Renamo leader criticised for setting up in the Gorongosa mountains

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Renamo leader criticised for setting up in the Gorongosa mountains

1:57 CAT | 22 May 2019

File photo: Voa Portugues

The last time Ossufo Momade was seen in public in an urban centre was in the beginning of this year, when he went to Maputo for meetings with the Mozambican president, Filipe Nyusi.

Some voices claim that Ossufo Momade does not have the charisma that Afonso Dhlakama had, so he should leave the bush to project his image to the electorate, especially in areas where Renamo does not have much influence and in view of the upcoming presidential elections.

Ossufo Momade is Renamo’s candidate for presidential elections on October 15 this year.

Analyst Moisés Mabunda says it is understandable that, after the death of Afonso Dhlakama, Momade should have stayed in Gorongosa for some time, but now he should be present on the main stages of democratic confrontation, where the media, academics and civil society discuss ideas.

Wasted opportunity

Yaqub Sibindy says that Ossufo Momade is leading a party that draws crowds to its political demonstrations, but is wasting an opportunity to take it to power by remaining in the bush.

The Renamo leadership has no official position on this matter, but in some sectors of the party it is stated that Ossufo Momade “will remain in the woods until the demilitarisation of Renamo is resolved, mainly through the integration of former guerrillas into the defence and security forces.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a senior Renamo staff member said that even the military who had been integrated in the Armed Forces had been sent home and only return to the commands to receive their salaries.

“They have no news of the commands, but commanders must take part in the command councils,” he said.

Source: Voa Portugues