Peace Pact to End Violence
Finally after almost two years of violence, the Government of Mozambique and Renamo signed an agreement to stop the turmoil that has engulfed the country.
The peace accord entails a series of negotiations and the inclusion of Renamo soldiers into the structures of the national police and army. Renamo’s leader Afonso Dhlakama announced his interest to participate in 15 the October 2014 general elections as a candidate for the party.
Violence has raged in the country since Renamo ended the Rome agreement last year when the opposition party accused Government security forces of attacking their party headquarters.
Renamo which stands for Resistencia Nacional Mocambicana fought against the ruling party Frelimo for 17 years that led the Rome 1992 peace agreement ended the civil war.
U.S. Commends Mozambique for Agreement To End Hostilities
As an advocate of international peace, the United States of America commended the Mozambique government and Renamo.
In a press statement, US Secretary of State John Kerry congratulated the people of Mozambique for the agreement reached to bring an end to the hostilities between the government of Mozambique and the Renamo forces.
Secretary Kerry lauded President Armando Guebuza and the Renamo leader Afonso Dhlakama for demonstrating statesmanship by publicly endorsing the agreement and signing a Memorandum of Understanding today.
“This agreement underscores the power of negotiation and the possibilities for peace, when a political leadership is committed to dialogue.” – Secretary Kerry
In addition, the United States encouraged the Government of Mozambique and Renamo to ensure full implementation of the agreement and to continue to use dialogue as a tool for reaching political consensus.
Clashes Worst Since Signing Peace Agreement
In November 2013, tension and political violence escalated in Mozambique as deadly clashes erupted between armed members of the opposition party “RENAMO” and the Mozambican Armed Forces in the central part of the country.
Reports said the Mozambican military attacked a rebel Renamo movement bush camp, claiming 58 lives.
The RENAMO groups were once supported by the white-minority governments Zimbabwe and South Africa. The group fought for 17 years against Frelimo and served as the principal opposition party for two decades.
RENAMO Deadly Attacks
On 6 April 2013, three civilians were killed and two women were injured when RENAMO rebels attacked a truck and a bus in Chibabava District.
On 17 October, alleged RENAMO rebels ambushed a military patrol near Gorongosa, RENAMO’s stronghold, killing seven soldiers.
On 22nd October, gunmen attacked a police station in Maringue District with no casualties reported.
