Expulsion of journalists and attacks near the Renamo convention in Mozambique

Journalists covering the seventh congress of the Mozambican National Resistance (Renamo, the largest opposition party) were expelled from the venue this Thursday by party members, and attacks took place between supporters at the entrance.

Judging by images broadcast live by the media from Alto Molocue, Zambezia province, where the congress is taking place, journalists were removed from the venue, amid visible threats from elements of the organization, outside the perimeter, which in turn is guarded a strong police apparatus.

Journalists watched the entrance to the convention that today will elect the party president, Manuel de Araujo, the mayor of Quelimane, Zambezia, a member of the political commission and one of the most popular members of Renamo, who had difficulty getting past the police. cordon.

“The police took an oath to respect the Constitution of the Republic and they must know how to respect the Constitution of the Republic. No police officer has the right to touch a party member, in this case a congressman. I’m a Congressman, I have it. They have the right to be in the hall. Either they haven’t done their homework or they have other tasks. I’m very sorry, it’s a shame,” said Manuel de Araujo as he passed by. police cordon.

At the entrance to the congress venue, there were riots and attacks by members of the congress organization and, presumably, people accompanying Manuel de Araujo, in order to block their passage, as could be seen in live footage.

The threats and expulsion of journalists accredited to the event followed an attempt to confirm Manuel de Araujo’s entry into the congress tent at around 16:30 local time (15:30 Lisbon time).

Some sources indicate that this increased security for Renamo is due to concerns about a possible infiltration attempt by supporters of deputy Venancio Mondlane, who presented his candidacy for the party leadership, which was rejected.

700 delegates and about 300 guests are expected at the congress.

Ossufo Momade is the current president of Renamo and is contesting the elections in this congress with Elias Dhlakama, brother of the historical leader of the party (Afonso Dhlakama), Yvon Soares, deputy and former head of the parliamentary college, André Magibire, former secretary General Anselmo Vitor, head of the training department, and Alfredo Magumisse, member of the political commission.

Juliano Picardo, president of the Tete provincial council, Pedro Murema, member of the provincial council of the city of Maputo and Hermínio Morais, member of the political commission, are also on the list of candidates for the leadership of Renamo.

Mozambique will hold general elections on October 9, including a presidential election in which current President Filipe Nyusi will no longer be able to contest the election as he has reached the constitutional limit of two terms.

After the presidential election, Renamo will have to clarify which candidate it will support for the presidency of the republic in the October elections, which, as a rule, is the party leader.