01122E – ABOUT 90 PER CENT OF RENAMO RESIDUAL FORCE DEMOBILISED

01122E – ABOUT 90 PER CENT OF RENAMO RESIDUAL FORCE DEMOBILISED

Maputo, 04 Nov (AIM) – Over 800 ex-combatants from Renamo, the largest opposition party in Mozambique, have been demobilised, over the last four weeks, which brings the total number to about 90 per cent of total disarmament, demobilisation, and reintegration (DDR) beneficiaries.

In a statement issued this afternoon Mirko Manzoni, the personal envoy of United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres, and head of the international contact group facilitating dialogue between the government and Renamo says that this led to closure of two additional Renamo bases in the districts of Mocuba and Sabe, located in the central province of Zambezia.

“The beneficiaries have embarked on their transition to civilian life in the comfort of family and community”, reads the statement.

According to Manzoni, this continuation of steady progress on the process is highly encouraging.

“We commend the continued collaboration and commitment to dialogue demonstrated by the Government and Renamo in reaching yet another significant milestone in the implementation of the Maputo Accord for Peace and National Reconciliation”, he added.

Manzoni explains that once more, the Military Affairs Commission and Joint Technical Groups exhibited true professionalism in managing the activities on the ground, further propelling Mozambique towards lasting peace and national reconciliation.

“As we approach the end of the demobilisation and disarmament phase, we are committed to ensuring the remaining combatants are reached and supported on their reintegration journey”, says Manzoni.

He acknowledges that the effective reintegration of DDR beneficiaries into civilian life is critical to the sustainability of the process.

Therefore, Manzoni calls on all stakeholders to play a positive role in advancing peace in Mozambique.

He concludes his message saying that “The United Nations remains committed to supporting Mozambique as it continues on its path towards a prosperous future of sustainable peace and national reconciliation”.

Last month Mozambican President, Filipe Nyusi, reiterated that the DDR would be concluded by the end of this year, a major step towards a lasting peace.

Constant talks between the government and Renamo, according to Nyusi, have contributed to build mutual trust. According to the President over the last 30 years Mozambicans have learned to live together, respecting political and ideological differences.
(AIM)
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