Opposition extends ceasefire to aid peace talks

Mozambique’s Renamo opposition party said on Tuesday it had extended a ceasefire by two months to allow talks with President Filipe Nyusi’s government, raising hopes for a nascent peace process. Both sides have clashed sporadically since Renamo challenged the results of the southern African nation’s 2014 elections. Analysts say competition over natural resources could also […]

Mozambique’s Renamo opposition party said on Tuesday it had extended a ceasefire by two months to allow talks with President Filipe Nyusi’s government, raising hopes for a nascent peace process.

Both sides have clashed sporadically since Renamo challenged the results of the southern African nation’s 2014 elections.

Analysts say competition over natural resources could also be exacerbating unrest – Mozambique is on the verge of developing huge offshore gas reserves which could transform one of the world’s poorest countries into a middle-income state. Renamo leader Afonso Dhlakama announced a seven-day truce a week ago after what he described as a long and constructive telephone conversation with Nyusi. The ceasefire extension followed another call between the two rivals.