U.S. Embassy
Avenida Kenneth Kaunda, 193
Caixa Postal, 783
Maputo
MOZAMBIQUE
PRESS RELEASE
Embassy Statement on the Permanent Appointment of Senior Military Leaders in the Armed Defense Forces of Mozambique
February 11, 2019 – MAPUTO – The Embassy of the United States of America applauds the action taken by the Minister of National Defense on February 8 to appoint Renamo nominees to senior positions within the Armed Defense Forces of Mozambique (FADM). These now permanent appointments respect the spirit of the demilitarization agreement signed last year between His Excellency President Filipe Jacinto Nyusi and Renamo leader Ossufo Momade. The United States of America equally congratulates the Joint Technical Group for Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration for its recent agreement to initiate weekly preparatory meetings for the demilitarization and reintegration process. These twin announcements build confidence in the shared commitment to the peace process.
The United States of America commends Renamo leader Momade for reaffirming, following his election as Renamo president, his party’s commitment to the full implementation of the demobilization and disarmament process. We urge Renamo to honor that pledge by reciprocating these important gestures through the immediate initiation of this process, for which the international community has organized significant technical and financial support. The letter and spirit of the demilitarization agreement make clear that both the Government of the Republic of Mozambique and Renamo must take simultaneous steps to fulfill their respective commitments so that the Agreement is implemented in parallel.
The United States of America remains committed to working within the framework of the International Contact Group to provide the support required to ensure the Government of the Republic of Mozambique and Renamo sign a final cessation of hostilities and peace agreement no later than April 2019. Strict adherence to this deadline by both sides is essential to maintaining the ongoing assistance of the broader international community, and guarantee that the October 2019 national elections can take place in an atmosphere free from the threat of renewed violence.
The United States of America reiterates its commitment to working with the Government of the Republic of Mozambique and Renamo to achieve a peace agreement that is long-term and durable, and October 2019 elections that are free, fair, and credible. These objectives are essential to attracting the international and domestic investment that will fuel the continued social and economic development of this great nation. They are also what the Mozambican people deserve.
For more information about this press release, please contact the U.S. Embassy Maputo Press Office at MaputoPress@state.gov.
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