Renamo Dissent Grows in Gaza Province of Mozambique

Demonstrations by former Renamo guerrillas in Gaza, Mozambique, call for Ossufo Momade’s resignation and the closure of Renamo offices. Protesters accuse leadership of corruption and demand urgent discussions by the Renamo National Council. Tensions have escalated between dissenters and supportive factions within the party.

Recent protests within Mozambique’s former rebel movement, Renamo, have emerged in the southern province of Gaza. Demonstrators gathered at Renamo’s Xai-Xai offices on Thursday, demanding the resignation of the party’s leader, Ossufo Momade, as reported by the independent daily “O Pais”. The protestors, identifying themselves as demobilized former guerrillas, have also called for the closure of the Renamo offices.

Alongside removing Momade, the demonstrators are seeking the ousting of the Renamo Gaza provincial delegate, Felix Tivane. Tensions escalated during the protest with verbal and physical altercations reported between the dissenting former guerrillas and Momade’s supporters. The protestors argue that internal corruption and a lack of dialogue have caused Renamo to lose its position as a leading opposition force under Momade’s seven-year leadership.

The dissenters have demanded a prompt convening of the Renamo National Council and the immediate dismissal of Momade. They have labeled Tivane’s behavior as “arrogance,” whereas Tivane has responded by accusing the dissidents of attempting to destabilize the party. The demonstrators have vowed to persist with their protests until Momade is removed from his presidential position within Renamo.

The unrest within Renamo underscores significant dissent regarding leadership and internal governance. The protestors’ demands reflect a desire for change and transparency within the party, highlighting potential fractures that could impact Renamo’s standing as an opposition party in Mozambique. Escalating tensions between party factions could lead to further challenges in maintaining party unity moving forward.

Original Source: clubofmozambique.com