{{Observers greeted progress in the latest peace negotiations between Mozambique’s government and former rebels with cautious optimism Tuesday after months of renewed violence.}}
Simmering tensions between rebel group-turned-opposition party Renamo and the Frelimo government erupted into armed clashes in April — more than two decades after the end of the southern African country’s civil war.
After 11 rounds of talks aimed at resolving the crisis, news finally came Monday that the government and Renamo had reached a partial agreement to change electoral laws — an announcement that was broadly welcomed.
“This is a positive development. At last there is a basis for a compromise,” said Britain-based analyst Alex Vines.
It appeared the government was “serious about providing a face-saving mechanism for Renamo,” he added.
“At last the government and Renamo start to agree!” said independent newspaper O Pais.
Both sides said Monday they had made progress — the first time since talks started last December.
“Everything leads us to believe that conditions have been created for (an agreement) to be signed,” chief government negotiator Jose Pacheco told state-run Radio Mozambique.
“A good consensus prevails between the two parties on key issues,” said Renamo chief negotiator Saimone Macuiane.
But Renamo says it still wants clarifications before signing a 12-point agreement hammered out during exhaustive talks.
agencies
Leave a Reply