Protests Erupt Among Renamo Dissidents Demanding Leadership Change

Dissidents from Renamo, Mozambique’s former rebel movement, are demanding the resignation of leader Ossufo Momade following poor electoral outcomes. Led by Fernando Mafenhure, they staged protests by closing provincial offices and burning leaflets. They criticize Momade’s leadership style, alleging complicity with the ruling party, and plan to close district offices until he resigns, seeking new leadership within the organization.

Dissidents from the former rebel movement Renamo have staged protests across Mozambique, demanding the resignation of their leader, Ossufo Momade. On Monday, a group of ex-guerrilla fighters closed the Renamo provincial delegation in Chimoio, the capital of Manica province, utilizing chains and padlocks, while also burning leaflets depicting Momade. They attribute Renamo’s poor electoral performance in the last general elections, held on October 9, 2022, to his leadership.

Renamo brigadier Fernando Mafenhure, a spokesperson for the protesters, articulated their grievances, stating, “Ossufo Momade has already given all that he had for the party. We think it’s time for him to go home and participate in party activities as a simple member.” Mafenhure emphasized that the dissidents were not opposed to Momade personally but believed it was crucial for new leadership to steer the party forward.

Mafenhure criticized Momade’s leadership style, asserting, “He has shown that he is a bad leader. He is not dynamic. Since he took over the leadership of Renamo in 2019, the party has been sinking.” He expressed concerns about the decline in the party’s popularity and lamented the lack of progress since the era of the late leader, Afonso Dhlakama, who died in 2018. Mafenhure remarked, “Dhlakama was a fighter for true democracy and knew how to value those who were in the bush fighting for 16 years.”

Furthermore, he accused Momade of complicity with the ruling Frelimo Party during the recent elections, claiming that the electoral victory was secured through fraudulent means. “He negotiated the elections with Frelimo!” Mafenhure claimed, stressing that Dhlakama would have acted decisively against such actions.

In light of their discontent, the protesters announced plans to continue their demonstrations, stating, “In the coming days, we shall close the doors of all the district delegations until he ceases to be our president.” They are determined to find new leadership within the party contingent upon Momade’s resignation. As the situation unfolds, former guerrilla fighters across the north and central regions voice their dissatisfaction, indicating this protest is part of a larger movement against Momade’s leadership.

This article highlights the ongoing unrest among the Renamo dissidents, reflecting significant dissatisfaction with Ossufo Momade’s leadership following a poor electoral performance. The protesters, comprising demobilized guerrilla fighters, are advocating for a change in leadership to revitalize the party and restore its former glory, reminiscent of the late Afonso Dhlakama’s tenure. Their protests underscore a growing tension within the organization, as they seek new direction and accountability from their leadership.

Original Source: clubofmozambique.com