Dissent within Renamo: Demonstration in Gaza Calls for Leadership Change
Demonstrators from Mozambique’s Renamo in Xai-Xai demand party leader Ossufo Momade’s resignation, citing issues of internal dialogue and corruption. They also seek the ousting of Gaza delegate Felix Tivane. Tensions rise amid confrontations between supporters and opponents, as calls for an urgent party council meeting intensify.
On Thursday, members of Mozambique’s former rebel group Renamo held a demonstration at the party’s offices in Xai-Xai, the capital of Gaza province, demanding the resignation of party leader Ossufo Momade. These protesters, who identified themselves as demobilized former guerrillas, also called for the closure of the Renamo offices.
The demonstrators not only sought the dismissal of Momade but also requested the removal of Felix Tivane, the Renamo delegate in Gaza. Tensions escalated as insults and physical confrontations erupted between the protesters and Momade’s supporters.
The former guerrillas expressed that under Momade’s seven-year leadership, Renamo had lost its status as the primary opposition party, citing a lack of internal dialogue and allegations of corruption. They urged for an immediate meeting of the Renamo National Council to discuss Momade’s removal as leader.
In response to their grievances, the protestors accused Tivane of displaying arrogance. Tivane countered by asserting that the dissidents were attempting to destabilize the party. The demonstrators pledged to persist with their protests outside the Xai-Xai office until Momade is removed from his position as party president.
The protests by Renamo members in Gaza highlight significant dissent within the party, particularly aimed at Ossufo Momade’s leadership. The demonstrators’ demands for both Momade’s and Tivane’s resignations indicate a growing discontent regarding party governance and direction. The situation illustrates potential challenges for Renamo as it grapples with internal conflicts while maintaining its position in opposition politics.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
