Moz Government Signs Peace Pact With Renamo

The Government of Mozambique and opposition group Renamo have signed a peace pact.

While the country’s civil war ended in 1992, hostilities between the ruling Frelimo party and opposition rebel group turned political party Renamo were reignited in 2013. A ceasefire has been in place since 2016, with the two sides negotiating a permanent solution.

On Thursday President Filipe Nyusi and Renamo leader Ossufo Momade signed the pact at a ceremony in the Gorongosa National Park.

President Nyusi is quoted as stating, "This agreement opens a new era in the history of our country in which no Mozambican should use weapons to resolve conflicts.”

The ceremony comes as Renamo embarks on the disarmament of its armed wing and more than 5,200 fighters. Under the agreement Renamo militants will be reintegrated into society and the military. However, previous attempts at demobilisation have failed and some elements of the Renamo militia have rejected Ossufo Momade’s authority as the group’s leader. Momade took the helm following the death of Afonso Dhlakama last year.

General elections are scheduled for October.