Dissent Within Mozambique’s Renamo Party: Calls for Leadership Change

In Xai-Xai, members of Renamo protested against party leader Ossufo Momade, demanding his resignation and that of Gaza delegate Felix Tivane, citing corruption and lack of internal dialogue. The protest led to confrontations with loyalists and pledges from dissenters to continue their protests until their demands are met.

On Thursday, members of Mozambique’s former rebel group Renamo staged a protest at their Xai-Xai offices in the Gaza province. They called for the resignation of party leader Ossufo Momade, claiming affiliation as demobilized former guerrillas. The demonstrators demanded not only Momade’s ousting but also the dismissal of Gaza provincial delegate Felix Tivane.

Tensions escalated between the protestors and Momade’s supporters, leading to verbal altercations and physical confrontations. Many participants alleged that Renamo had lost its significance as the principal opposition party due to internal corruption and a lack of dialogue under Momade’s seven-year leadership.

In their grievances, the former guerrillas sought an immediate meeting of the Renamo National Council to expedite the removal of Momade. They accused Tivane of displaying “arrogance,” while Tivane countered by accusing the dissenters of attempting to undermine the party. The protestors pledged to continue their demonstrations at the Xai-Xai office until Momade is removed as party president.

The unrest within Renamo highlights significant internal divisions as former guerrillas express dissatisfaction with leadership under Ossufo Momade. Their calls for reform stress the perceived decline of the party in opposition relevance due to internal strife and outstanding issues with transparency. This situation reflects deeper concerns about party unity and its future within Mozambique’s political landscape.

Original Source: clubofmozambique.com