Renamo in Nampula has once again demanded that its historic leader, Afonso Macacho Marceta Dhlakama, be officially recognized as the "Father of Democracy in Mozambique", stressing that the best tribute to him and André Matsangaíssa is to put an end to the "electoral theft" that continues to undermine political confidence in the country.

At a popular rally on the Day of Peace and National Reconciliation, the party's delegate in Nampula, Abiba Aba, said that the peace and democracy achieved with the 1992 General Peace Agreement will only be fully meaningful when the practices that undermine the popular will expressed at the ballot box are eliminated.

"Systematic electoral fraud is one of the grossest violations of the agreements and continues to be a source of conflict and instability. The true tribute to our heroes is to respect the sovereignty of the people," she said, quoted by the Rigor Newspaper.

Despite the criticism, the leader guaranteed that Renamo is not advocating a return to war, but rather the consolidation of peace based on social justice and good governance. "We, Renamo, reaffirm our commitment to peace. We appeal to the youth, heirs to this peace, not to allow hate speech to have space in your hearts. Peace is our banner and it will be preserved," he said.

Another strong point of the speech was the demand for speed in the process of setting pensions and allowances for former Renamo guerrillas, as part of the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR). According to the leader, the delay in implementing this commitment "hurts trust" and goes against the spirit of the agreements signed.

Abiba also recalled the role of Dhlakama and Matsangaíssa as "true national heroes" and called for impartial action by the Defense and Security Forces, as well as the active participation of community, religious and social leaders in promoting a culture of peace.

Renamo has thus reinforced its historical narrative: the party presents itself as a pillar of democracy and guarantees that it will continue to fight so that no agreement signed becomes a "dead letter".

(Photo DR)