Joint commission breaks for consultations with leaders

The first item on the agenda of the discussions, which began in earnest on Thursday, is the demand by the opposition party Renamo that it takes power in the provinces where it claims to have won the 2014 elections. Mozambique has eleven provinces and Renamo claims authority over the central and northern provinces of Manica, Sofala, Tete, Zambezia, Nampula, and Niassa.

Speaking at the end of Friday’s session, one of the international mediators, Mario Raffaelli explained, “as mediators, we raised proposals which the two delegations have to examine and discuss. The delegations have to consult their leaders, and this is interesting because it means that there is an understanding and favourable climate”.

He added that “we will continue to create the best conditions for finding solutions. Therefore, we will be here tomorrow morning at ten”.

Other points on the agenda include the immediate cessation of military action, the reintegration of Renamo’s armed militia into the national defence and security forces, and their reinsertion into society.

The Joint Commission is composed of six representatives from the government and six from Renamo.

The international mediators were invited by the two sides. However, the Joint Commission has pointedly stated that it sees the mediators as one block, and not invitees of one party of the other.

Not all the mediators will attend every session, but they have deputies to assist them.

The full list of mediators is: Ketumile Masire (Global Leadership Foundation); Jakaya Kikwete (Tanzania); Ibrahim Msambaho (Tanzania); Angelo Romano (European Union); Mario Raffaelli (European Union); Sir Robin Christopher (Global Leadership Foundation); Jonathan Powell (Inter Mediate); Thanduyise Chiliza, Mandlenkosi Memela, and George Johannes (deputy representatives for South Africa); Edgar Pena Parra (Apostolic Nuncio to Mozambique); Joao Carlos Hatoa Nunes (secretary of the Mozambique Episcopal Conference); the Ambassador of the European Union; and the South African High Commissioner.