A group of former Renamo guerrillas rioted on Monday morning (17) in front of the party's provincial political office in the city of Chimoio, capital of Manica province, central Mozambique, and closed the doors of the building, as well as setting fire to leaflets with images of their leader, Ossufo Momade.

The act is aimed at demanding the immediate and unconditional resignation of the president of Mozambique's current third largest opposition party, allegedly due to poor governance.

The rioters, who used chains and padlocks to close the doors of the delegation building, also set fire to all the propaganda material and other property bearing the image of the Renamo president.

Renamo guerrillas, members and sympathizers want their leader to leave the party leadership, as explained by Brigadier General Fernando Mafenhure.

"Ossufo Momade has already given what he had for the party. We think it's time for him to stay at home and take part in the party's activities as a simple member. We're not against him, but all the members, especially the Renamo guerrillas, think he's done his bit. What's left for him now is to let the party be led by other competent people," said Mafenhure, quoted by AIMHe stressed that Ossufo Momade "has shown himself to be a bad leader".

According to the guerrillas, since Ossufo Momade took over the leadership of Renamo in 2019, the party has sunk in many respects. "Even in terms of popularity, it has fallen a lot. That doesn't please us as guerrillas and members of Renamo," they added, accusing him of having allied himself with the ruling party, Frelimo, during the last general elections, and the provincial assemblies of October 9.

(Photo DR)