In the face of the armed attacks that have occurred in the centre and north of the country, “Mozambique is at war and the Head of State has to acknowledge that. Nyusi is Commander-in-Chief and has a task, to convene the National Defence and Security Council so that he can be advised,” Manuel de Araújo, Renamo candidate for governor of Zambézia, told journalists this morning (4 October 4) in Quelimane. One cannot speak of peace as long as there are attacks from insurgents and armed men all over the country, he added.
With the end of the Peace Day celebrations in Heroes’ Square, Manuel de Araújo marched through the city of Quelimane in the company of Renamo members and supporters.
Since the start of the election campaign, at least 10 insurgent attacks have taken place in Cabo Delgado province and 4 in the central region.
Court acquits Renamo supporter
Renamo backer Gabriel Pedro was acquitted for lack of proof by the court in Nacala Porto, Nampula, on Wednesday (October 2), for insufficient evidence.
The trial follows a battle in which at least 23 people were injured and two homes partially burned in a fight in Matalane, Nacala Porto, perhaps as a result of a water source dispute between Frelimo and Renamo supporters or perhaps because a Renamo parade was stoned (19 September, see Bulletin 55-56).
Pedro was charged with arson, assault, and property damage. After hearing several victims, the court said there was no proof that Pedro damaged a motorcycle ambulance, burned two houses, or assaulted any of the 20 injured in the incident.
Frelimo-MDM punch-up in Mabalane
Two Frelimo supporters were slightly injured Thursday (3 October) as a result of an assault by MDM supporters. The incident occurred in the market of Mabalane, Gaza, when a group of Frelimo supporters met an MDM parade.
