President calls for immediate cessation of attacks

Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi

Speaking at a rally in Mopeia on the first day of his working visit to the central province of Zambezia, President Nyusi pointed out that his government had accepted Renamo’s demand for international facilitators because of the lack of confidence between the two sides.

President Nyusi pledged that the government will do everything it can to end the attacks as quickly as possible.

The President appealed to people living in Mopeia and the rest of the province to denounce those who ambush vehicles as they impede development in the province and the country.

He stressed that “in some parts of Morrumbala, Mocuba and Mopeia attacks have taken place. We need to be vigilant and denounce those that hide, kill and destroy”.

The President added, “we want peace because our lives are threatened by the actions of armed men from Renamo”.

A local resident, Carlitos Mugauanha, told the President “if we were asked what we want now, we would respond peace. We are unhappy because we are unable to realise our aspirations due to the war”.

President Nyusi also spoke about the high cost of living and called for increased productivity and production. He stated, “the economic situation is not good. Mopeia has water and fertile land to grow maize, sesame, sunflower, and beans. This district also raises cattle and has fishing and fish farming. Those who produce have food and money for their other needs”.

During his time in the district, President Nyusi visited the fish market and an exhibition of agricultural produce. He also attended a special meeting of the provincial government and went to a local agricultural cooperative.

On Friday, the President will visit the districts of Luabo and Chinde and on Saturday he travels to Derre and Inhassunge before ending his tour of the province in the city of Quelimane.