Mozambique's President Armando Guebuza signs a peace deal with opposition party Renamo.
President Jacob Zuma on Monday welcomed the signing of a peace agreement between Mozambique’s President Armando Guebuza and Renamo, the South African international relations and cooperation department (Dirco) said.
Guebuza and Afonso Dhlakama, leader of the opposition Renamo party, signed the peace deal on Friday, ending a two-year conflict.
“President Zuma commended President Guebuza and the Renamo leader for their commitment to the principles of democracy by signing the agreement, thereby setting aside political differences and ensuring full participation by Mozambicans in the October 15 2014 presidential, parliamentary and regional assembly elections,” Dirco spokesperson Clayson Monyela said.
Agence France-Presse reported that, for two years, government forces and fighters loyal to Dhlakama have clashed. The rebel leader had accused the state of reneging on a peace deal that ended Mozambique’s 1977-1992 civil war.
The agreement would see the integration of Renamo fighters, estimated at a few hundred, into the army and police force. – Sapa