Renamo dissidents demand the resignation of leader Ossufo Momade, criticizing his leadership following poor election results. Protests are escalating across Mozambique, led by former guerrillas who feel betrayed and ignored. They accuse Momade of collusion with the ruling Frelimo party and have vowed to shut down all district delegations until he resigns.
Dissidents from Mozambique’s former rebel movement, Renamo, have escalated their protests, recently closing the provincial delegation in Chimoio, Manica. They employed chains and padlocks, while burning leaflets that featured Renamo leader Ossufo Momade’s image. The protesters are demanding his immediate resignation, holding him responsible for the party’s disappointing performance in the 9 October general elections.
Renamo brigadier Fernando Mafenhure, acting as spokesperson for the former guerrillas, stated, “Ossufo Momade has already given all that he had for the party. We think it’s time for him to go home and participate in party activities as a simple member.” He emphasized that their discontent is not personal towards Momade, but rather a collective sentiment that he has exhausted his effectiveness as a leader.
Mafenhure openly criticized Momade, expressing, “He has shown that he is a bad leader. He is not dynamic. Since he took over the leadership of Renamo in 2019, the party has been sinking.” He lamented the party’s decline in popularity and voiced the grievances of demobilized fighters who feel their efforts have yielded no substantial outcomes during their years of service.
Reflecting on the leadership of the late Afonso Dhlakama, Mafenhure commented that Dhlakama valued the contributions of those who fought. He accused Momade of colluding with the ruling Frelimo Party during the last elections, asserting, “Ossufo Momade’s silence shows, without any doubt, that there is a high level of complicity.”
To force the resignation of Momade, the protesters have pledged to continue their demonstrations, threatening to shut down all district delegations if their demands are not met. They seek to replace Momade with more capable leadership from within the party, as they feel abandoned under his governance. It is noteworthy that Momade is reportedly in poor health and undergoing treatment abroad, further complicating the leadership crisis within Renamo.
The recent protests by Renamo dissidents underscore significant unrest concerning the leadership of Ossufo Momade. Accusations of poor leadership and complicity with the ruling party evoke strong sentiments among former guerrilla fighters. The protests reflect a demand for renewed leadership and accountability within Renamo, as the group seeks to reclaim its influence and legacy. With further actions planned against Momade, the future of the party remains uncertain.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
