Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Maputo (Agenzia Fides)- A new step in the process of Mozambique’s national reconciliation following the agreement reached on 24 August (see Fides 25/8/2014) which put an end to hostilities between former rebels of Renamo (Resistenza Nazionale Mozambicana) and the government led by Frelimo (Fronte di Liberazione Nazionale del Mozambico).
A statement sent to Fides says that Mons. Matteo Zuppi of the Rome based Sant’Egidio Community, the vice minister of the Italian government, Carlo Calenda, and the Italian ambassador, Roberto Vellano, on 30 August had a meeting, in the forest of Gorongosa, with the Leader of Renamo, Afonso Dhlakama. Twenty two years ago the Community of Sant'Egidio and the Italian government were mediators in lengthy talks which led to the Peace Accord, signed in Rome on 4 October 1992.
In the past two years new political-military tension has emerged in various areas of the country and there has been a return of Dhlakama in former areas of guerrilla conflict.
During the meeting with the delegation of the Sant'Egidio Community and the Italian government, Dhlakama showed willing to return next Thursday to Maputo in order to confirm, together with the President of Mozambique, Armando Guebuza, the agreements reached and to then lead his electoral campaign.
Dhlakama guaranteed his commitment to promoting peaceful elections. The leader of Renamo asked the government of Mozambique to guarantee the application of the agreements, starting with the ratification of the same as soon as possible by the national parliament. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 2/9/2014)
