Eye On The Continent: Is Mozambique going to get it right this time?

Ultimately, Mozambique a country that enjoyed peace and stability has developed some challeneges. Since 2012 it was very difficult to cross the River Save which is the border between Central and South Mozambique. All because Renamo represented by its leader Mr. Afonso Dlhakama was saying they were tired of being treated as foreigners in their own country. Mr. Dlhakama says he will fight and do whatever is necessary to promote social equality in the country. Whereas the government led by Frelimo disagrees with the means used by Dlakama. This opinion was clearly expressed by Former president of the Republic of Mozambique Armando Guebuza. Mozambique has since gained independence, being ruled by Frelimo party and until 1990 was a one party state. But because of the war, which killed 2 million people in 1992, the Peace Agreement was signed in Rome by Former president Joaquim Chissano and Mr. Dlhakama. What really triggers Renamo is the issue of transparency of the elections “In their election campaigns, Dhlakama attacked what they say is the stranglehold Frelimo has long maintained over political and economic power in Mozambique”, (http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/10/18/us-mozambique-election-idUSKCN0I70MT20141018) partisanship of the state, and growing social inequalities.

Mozambique held elections last year and no wonder Frelimo won, the all-powerful, with its presidential Candidate Filipe Nyusi. Mr. Dlhakama claims that once again the elections were rigged and Nyusi is not the real choice of the Mozambicans. But before the elections took place the former president Mr. Guebuza had to issue a cease-fire because of the incidents taking part in south- central Mozambique as mentioned above. Mr. Nyusi brings a lot of expectations because he is relatively young to his predecessors but he also comes from a different part of the country and this reflects in the growing national unity in the country. Mr. Nyusi has a cease-fire agreement to implement and peace and stability to consolidate. In a moment that Mozambique is experiencing boom on its natural resources which can be another headache if it does not opt to practice transparency accountability and good governance. So far it is believed that Mr. Nyusi is bringing a new style of leadership. He is more inclusive and dynamic. Within his first 30 days in office he was able to hold audience with the leader of the opposition Mr. Dlhakama who also signed the cease-fire agreement as well as to meet with the 3rd most popular candidate of the presidential election, a fact that is making people believe that he is committed to the cause of the Mozambicans as well as to improve the conditions of life. Mr. Nyusi come into power at a stage which I would consider as critical and promising. From managing a post hostilities era to negotiating resources with the investors in order to ameliorate the conditions of life of the Mozambicans. All it will demand from him is very good leadership skills as well as transparency and good will. A lot is expected as well as there is a lot that needs to be done with commitment.

Congratulations to Mr. Nyussi and all the best in office.