Renamo continues to drag tactical

Dialogue between the Mozambican government and the former rebel movement Renamo has once again hit an impasse. This time is was due to disagreements over the terms of reference of the foreign observers who will be invited to monitor the cessation of hostilities.  There have been regular clashes in the centre of the country between armed Renamo groups and the government’s defence and security forces. But on Saturday Renamo groups attacked civilian vehicles travelling along the country’s main north-south highway between the Save River and the town of Muxungue in the central province of Sofala. These were the first attacks on civilian traffic along the road in about four months.   The introduction of foreign observers during a cessation of hostilities was a demand made by Renamo in March. This was accepted by the government in an attempt to keep the dialogue alive. At the time the head of the government delegation to the dialogue, Agriculture Minister Jose Pacheco, told reporters “if this brings comfort to Renamo, the government is open to the presence of international observers”.    The head of the Renamo delegation, parliamentary deputy Saimone Macuiana, stated that “our purpose when we came here was to wind up this topic. But it seems as if the government has more important agendas than working to ensure peace and security”.   Pacheco argued that the proposed role for the foreign observers came from the Mozambican observers to the dialogue (who began assisting in the dialogue following a demand from Renamo).   According to Pacheco, the proposal covered three aspects: the cessation of attacks by Renamo; the demilitarisation of Renamo and the integration of its fighters into Mozambique’s armed forces and police; and the economic and social reintegration of Renamo fighters into society.  However, Pacheco complained that once again Renamo raised its demand for “parity” in the armed forces and the police. He added that Renamo also stuck by its latest demand that it will only deliver its weapons to what it calls a credible body.  The government has made several major concessions during the dialogue sessions, including the introduction of national observers, changes to the electoral bodies and extending the period for voter registration. Presidential, parliamentary and provincial elections are due to be held on 15 October. Pacheco pointed out that “in the past elections were held despite threats that the country would burn. It is our expectation that we will hold elections this year”.