Zuma welcomes Moz peace deal

The leader of the Renamo (Resistencia Nacional Mocambicana) movement, Afonso Dhlakama (R), and the President of Mozambique, Armando Guebuza (L), embrace during the Government-Renamo peace agreement ceremony held at Maputo, Mozambique. EPA/ANTONIO SILVA

The leader of the Renamo (Resistencia Nacional Mocambicana) movement, Afonso Dhlakama (R), and the President of Mozambique, Armando Guebuza (L), embrace during the Government-Renamo peace agreement ceremony held at Maputo, Mozambique. EPA/ANTONIO SILVA

Published Sep 8, 2014

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Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma on Monday welcomed the signing of a peace agreement between Mozambican President Armando Guebuza and Renamo, the international relations and cooperation department said.

Guebuza and Afonso Dhlakama, leader of the opposition party, signed the peace deal on Friday, ending a two-year conflict.

“President Zuma commended President Guebuza and the Renamo leader for their commitment to the principles of democracy by signing the agreement, thereby setting aside political differences and ensuring full participation by Mozambicans in the 15 October 2014 presidential, parliamentary and regional assembly elections,” spokesman Clayson Monyela said.

Agence France-Presse reported that for two years government forces and fighters loyal to Dhlakama have clashed. The rebel leader had accused the state of reneging on a peace deal that ended Mozambique's 1977-1992 civil war.

The agreement would see the integration of Renamo fighters, estimated at a few hundred, into the army and police force.

Sapa

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