Mediators propose route out of deadlock

Maputo (AIM) – The team of international mediators assisting with the political dialogue between the Mozambican government and the opposition party Renamo on Monday presented a proposal on decentralisation. The suggestion was based on position papers delivered by the government and Renamo on Friday.

 Afonso Dhlakama meets President Filipe Nyusi

Afonso Dhlakama meets President Filipe Nyusi

At Monday’s meeting in Maputo of the Joint Commission (which is composed of six representatives from the government and six from Renamo), the two delegations each suggested alterations to the draft document.

This was the first sign of progress since the dialogue in the Joint Commission in the presence of the mediators began on 20 July. Up until now, there has been an impasse on the first item on the agenda – the demand by Renamo that it rules in the provinces where it claims to have won the 2014 elections. Mozambique has eleven provinces, and Renamo wants to take power in Manica, Sofala, Tete, Zambezia, Nampula, and Niassa in the centre and north of the country.

Speaking to the press moments after the end of the session, the head of the government delegation, Jacinto Veloso, explained that “as you know, the mediators, after working with the two delegations, submitted a proposal which was considered in the plenary session. Contributions from the two delegations have led to the introduction of some amendments to the text”.

Without going into details, Veloso added that “there are still amendments that have to be discussed and the document could still be modified”.

The Joint Commission also considered the proposed visit of the mediators to Renamo leader Afonso Dhlakama in Gorongosa district, in the central province of Sofala. Discussions are underway on how their safety can be guaranteed during the trip.

Not all of the mediators are present in all of the sessions with the Joint Commission. However, 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 (South Africa), 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 Mandisi Mpahlwa (the South African High Commissioner).

The next session of the Joint Commission will be held on Wednesday.

Post published in: Africa News

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