Russia says political stability basis for Mozambican development

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Russia says political stability basis for Mozambican development

11:59 CAT | 22 Feb 2016

Speaking to the press after a meeting with Mozambican Foreign Affairs minister, Oldemiro Baloi, Vice-President of the Russian Federation Council IIiyas Umakhanov said in Maputo that consolidating unity and political stability will be the basis for the development of Mozambique

“The basis for development in Mozambique lies in the preservation of national unity and political stability,” said Umakhanov, adding that he intends intensifying bilateral relations.

At a time when the country is experiencing a political crisis with military confrontations between the defense and security forces and the armed wing of the largest opposition party, Renamo (Mozambican National Resistance), Umakhanov stressed the importance of peace-making for economic development

“We need stability for economic development,” he said, noting Russia’s desire to increase cooperation between the two states in view of their strong historical relations.

Umakhanov said that the Russian government would use all mechanisms to support Mozambique in the context of a “positive development agenda,” and would fully respect the country’s sovereignty and independence.

On Thursday, the Mozambican and Russian parliaments signed a five-year cooperation agreement in the areas of social affairs, gender, technology and media which aims to intensify the exchange of experience at parliamentary level between the two countries.

Mozambique is experiencing a situation of political uncertainty for months and the Renamo leader threatens to seize power in six northern and central provinces of the country, where the movement claimed victory in the general elections of October 2014.

This is the worst crisis in Mozambique since the cessation of military hostilities agreement signed on 5 September 2014 by former President Armando Guebuza and the Renamo leader Afonso Dhlakama.

Political violence returned to Mozambique following the elections, worsening in recent months, with mutual accusations of attacks, kidnappings and assassinations.

Renamo recently asked for the mediation of South African President Jacob Zuma, and the Catholic Church to dialogue with the government, which has been blocked for several months.

Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi, has reiterated his willingness to meet with the leader of Renamo, but Afonso Dhlakama believes that there is nothing to talk about after Frelimo rejecting the timely revision of the Constitution to accommodate new administrative regions claimed by the opposition and will resume dialogue after the seizure of power in the centre and north of the country.

Source: Lusa