Former guerrillas of the Mozambican National Resistance (Renamo) protested by closing the party’s provincial delegation in Nampula, demanding the resignation of provincial delegate Abiba Aba and party president Ossufo Momade due to dissatisfaction with leadership. The protest follows a poor performance in recent elections, leading to calls for changes in the party’s direction and increased accountability from its leaders.
In a significant act of protest, former guerrillas of the Mozambican National Resistance (Renamo) forcibly closed the party’s provincial delegation in Nampula on Tuesday morning. This demonstration is aimed at expressing dissatisfaction with the provincial leadership, particularly targeting Abiba Aba, the provincial delegate, and Ossufo Momade, the party president. According to Carolina Yahaia, a former combatant, their call for Abiba Aba to resign is rooted in perceived arrogance and a lack of collaboration with former fighters who advocate for democracy.
The backdrop of this protest is the recent electoral setback for Renamo in the October 9 parliamentary elections, where the party secured only 28 seats, thus ceding its position as the second-largest political entity to the Optimistic People for the Development of Mozambique (Podemos), which gained 43 representatives. This disappointing outcome has intensified calls for a reevaluation of leadership within Renamo, as party members feeling disillusioned seek accountability from their leaders.
Further complicating matters, Renamo announced the postponement of its National Council meeting, initially scheduled for early March, without rescheduling to address pressing political concerns. Many former guerrillas have taken to demonstrating outside party offices nationwide, demanding the ousting of Ossufo Momade from his leadership role, marking a sharp decline in the party’s previous influence as the leading opposition faction.
The Nampula delegation closure represents an urgent plea from former fighters, who are increasingly frustrated with the perceived division within the party under Momade’s leadership. Former guerrilla Ernesto Douglas characterized the situation as reflective of a greater struggle, stating that there has been a systematic exclusion of members who advocate for the foundational principles set by the late Afonso Dhlakama, Renamo’s esteemed leader.
As the former combatants assert their demands for dialogue with party leaders, the Renamo spokesperson recently indicated that the initiative to close the delegation was intended to prevent potential confrontations among members. He clarified that the decision stemmed from a desire for peace rather than an antagonistic act by the former warriors. The recent election results marked a historic low for Renamo and led to questions surrounding Momade’s leadership, given the notable decline since taking over following Dhlakama’s passing.
Mozambique’s tumultuous political landscape is further complicated by its history of civil conflict, which began in 1977 and saw Renamo emerge as the main opposition for the government forces. The protracted struggle only concluded with the 1992 General Peace Agreement, establishing a pathway for democratic governance and subsequent elections. These developments bring to light ongoing challenges within Renamo as it navigates its contemporary political identity and leadership.
The recent protest by former Renamo guerrillas in Nampula underscores significant tensions within the party regarding leadership and direction, especially following disappointing electoral results. The demonstrators’ call for a change in provincial and national leadership highlights an urgent need for dialogue and accountability in the wake of a declining political influence. As the party grapples with internal dissension, it faces the challenge of reconciling its historical identity with contemporary political demands in Mozambique.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
