The group of demobilized former guerrillas of the Mozambican National Resistance (RENAMO) announced today, at its headquarters in Maputo, the suspension of all party activities throughout the country.

“From here, at the national headquarters, we are suspending all political activities of the party at provincial and district level,” said the spokesperson, João Machava, stressing that “Ossufo Momade cannot continue to play with the people and with us and not even send brigades to the provinces.”

He said that the party's fighters in the provinces and districts are authorized to take action against those who intend to follow Ossufo Momade's orders.

Ato the spokesperson for the group that yesterday stormed the party's headquarters in Maputo, the condition for resuming activities is unique and irreversible: the resignation of Ossufo Momade as president of RENAMO.

“He must resign. If he resigns today, we will leave this place today. If he does not resign, we will move on to another chapter, because we are waiting for some colleagues who will arrive today, some today and others tomorrow, coming from the provinces,” he said. Speaking at a press conference, Machava did not want to detail how the next “chapter” will be implemented. However, he had already said that upon the arrival of other party members, the next step would be to “assault” the residence of Ossufo Momade, in the Mateque neighbourhood, Marracuane municipality, Maputo province. He also said that, strategically, Ossufo abandoned his residence fearing a “visit” from RENAMO guerrillas.

Until the new chapter is announced, under penalty of it being null and void, the group is waiting for a statement from Ossufo Momade about his resignation.

“We want to announce the new chapter, if he doesn’t resign, our goal is for him to resign, for better or for worse,” he stressed.