Maputo, 1 Aug (AIM) – Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi on Monday acknowledged the role played by the Anglican Church in achieving definitive peace, taking into account the closure of the last military base of the former rebel movement Renamo in June.
The base was closed under the DDR (Demobilization, Disarmament and Reintegration) programme between the Mozambican government and Renamo, now the main opposition party. Since 2019, a total of 16 Renamo bases have been dismantled.
The recognition was expressed in Maputo, during an audience granted to the Council of Anglican Provinces in Africa (KAPA), which brings together several bishops from the continent, with the mission of promoting peace and social harmony.
“The DDR process is long and will require the contribution of everyone, including the church, for its role in building and moralizing society,” Nyusi said, stressing that the religious mission has been helping in the fight against terrorism in the northern province of Cabo Delgado.
“Together with the church, we spread messages appealing to young people not to take part in terrorism. We promote initiatives aimed at empowering youth in the affected areas. Progress is being made through solidarity in the region”, he added.
During the courtesy meeting, which lasted just over half an hour, the President highlighted the contribution of the Anglican Church, in the person of Bishop Dinis Sengulane, in the negotiations that culminated in the signing of the General Peace Agreement, in October 1992, in Rome, which ended the 16 year war of destabilization
He also noted that Anglican bishop Carlos Matsinhe has accepted the challenge of leading the National Elections Commission (CNE) in organizing this year’s municipal elections and the general elections scheduled for 2024.
For his part, Matsinhe praised the way in which the government has been able to deal with religious denominations in Mozambique, to guarantee a harmonious and fruitful relationship.
He claimed that the preparations for the municipal elections, scheduled for 11 October are making good progress, and are now at the stage of registering candidates.
“The relationship between our State and the Church is healthy and has allowed the Church to play its role”, said Matsinhe. “With regard to the preparation of the elections, we are on a good path and we hope that everything goes well.”
(AIM)
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