MP Clementina Francisco Bomba is the new secretary-general of the Mozambican National Resistance (Renamo), the main opposition party announced today.

The new leader was appointed on Monday night during the party's National Council meeting in Maputo, the first time a woman has held the position.

Clementina Bomba replaces André Magibire, who left in September.

On the verge of a year of local elections, Ossufo Momade, president of Renamo, was quoted by Lusa as saying that he hoped the new leader would be able to "implement our aspirations in an exemplary manner, through strategies that are in line with the challenges".

The secretary-general, who was also the party's provincial delegate in Maputo, called for teamwork, stressing that "everyone's work is decisive for achieving victory".