Former guerrillas from Renamo protested in Nampula, closing the provincial delegation due to dissatisfaction with provincial leader Abiba Aba and party president Ossufo Momade. Their protests arise from recent electoral losses and unmet promises related to demobilization. The party’s spokesperson stated the closure was a precautionary measure to avoid conflict among members, while concerns over leadership effectiveness continue to grow.
On Tuesday morning, in Nampula, a group of former guerrillas from the Mozambican National Resistance (Renamo) staged a protest by closing the party’s provincial delegation. The demonstrators expressed their dissatisfaction with provincial delegate Abiba Aba, citing her perceived arrogance and lack of cooperation with former combatants. They demanded her dismissal, along with the party leader Ossufo Momade, during remarks made to Lusa by protestor Carolina Yahaia.
The discontent among the former guerrillas is rooted in recent electoral outcomes, particularly the 9 October elections which saw Renamo reduced to 28 seats in parliament, losing its position as the second-largest political party to the Optimistic People for the Development of Mozambique (Podemos), which secured 43 seats. The postponement of the National Council meeting, originally scheduled for 7 and 8 March, has only intensified frustrations among party members who seek leadership change.
Former guerrillas claim that under Ossufo Momade’s leadership, the party has experienced division, reflecting on a time when they felt more integrated and acknowledged by the previous leader, Afonso Dhlakama. They have advocated for better communication and dialogue with party leadership, stressing their feelings of neglect since the leadership transition.
Additionally, they allege failed promises related to their demobilization process, which included expectations for housing and small projects, as well as potential employment opportunities within the Ministry of the Interior. Ernesto Douglas, another ex-combatant, highlighted the disappointment stemming from these unfulfilled commitments, asserting that previous leadership had fostered a sense of unity among members.
In response to the protest, Nelson Carvalho, the spokesperson for Renamo in the province, clarified that the closure of the delegation was a precautionary measure taken to prevent confrontations. He emphasized that the delegation’s closure was a proactive measure to avoid clashes among members, indicating the party’s intention to maintain order within its ranks.
Ossufo Momade, who was a candidate in the recent elections, received only 5.81% of the votes, marking a significant decline in support for Renamo. His leadership has faced scrutiny, particularly following the death of the party’s revered founder Afonso Dhlakama in 2018, raising questions about the future trajectory of the party and its strategy moving forward.
The protest by former Renamo guerrillas reveals deep dissatisfaction with current leadership, particularly following adverse electoral results. Their grievances highlight ongoing divisions within the party and unmet promises made during demobilization. While party officials have aimed to manage internal conflicts, the historical context of leadership transitions and electoral performance presents significant challenges for Renamo’s future.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
