RENAMO chooses Dhlakama as its candidate

The election was unanimous and by acclamation – although Dhlakama himself was not present. In theory, other candidates could have competed for the post, but none did so.

Dhlakama is still living in a Renamo base on the slopes of the Gorongosa mountain range, and claims he cannot leave until he receives “security guarantees”. The government says it has already given such guarantees, and that no harm will come to Dhlakama if he moves to Maputo, Beira or anywhere else in the country.

Cited in Tuesday’s issue of the independent newsheet “Mediafax”, the chairperson of the National Council, parliamentarian Jose Manteigas, accused the government of harassing Dhlakama, and claimed the country would only return to normal if the harassment stopped.

The argument that the government and the ruling Frelimo Party are to blame for the current politico-military tensions was echoed repeatedly by other speakers. “It is Frelimo that is most guilty for what is happening in Mozambique, and there is proof of this”, declared Gania Mussagy.

The hard fact, however, is that it is Renamo and not Frelimo which has mounted regular ambushes against convoys of vehicles on the main north-south highway between the Save river and the small town of Muxungue, in the central province of Sofala. It is Renamo, and not Frelimo, which in recent months has looted health posts, and attacked police stations, most recently last Friday, in the village of Matenje, in Tete province.

Renamo has postponed its rally in the densely populated Beira suburb of Munhava, originally scheduled for Monday. It will now be held on Tuesday, and Renamo promises that Dhlakama will address the rally through a phone link-up.

Dhlakama’s spokesperson, Antonio Muchanga, in an interview with the “Voice of America” radio station, claimed that the Gorongosa area where Dhlakama is living is under siege. This meant that Dhlakama is unable to wage his election campaign, and Muchanga said this called into question Renamo’s participation in the elections.

He added that unnamed advisors to Renamo are divided as to what path the party should follow. Some of these advisers, Muchanga claimed, are in favour of a return to war, while others are seeking a more peaceful solution.

As for the appeal by President Armando Guebuza to Dhlakama to leave his hideout and return to normal political life, Muchanga said “the president is throwing sand in the eyes of the Mozambican people because he understands nothing about peace”.

Muchanga also accused the government of preparing to launch air raids against the Gorongosa area containing Dhlakama’s base.

For years, Renamo has made regular claims that the government is planning to assassinate Dhlakama. Yet the Renamo leader remains alive and apparently unharmed.