Mozambique’s fifth democratic election is due to take place in October 2014. Until June 2014, it appeared as if Renamo would escalate its armed resistance against Frelimo, the ruling party, because of alleged unfulfilled terms of the 1992 peace agreement. Now it emerges that Renamo has a renewed interest in a negotiated ceasefire to enable its leader, Afonso Dhlakama, to participate as a presidential candidate. Within this positive development, it is crucial to ensure that the newly established peace continues after the election. The stakeholders of the political process must consider potential post-election security challenges: especially the reaction of the opposition parties. Whether Renamo wins or loses, the parties ought to put measures in place that would respond to the demands of remaining Renamo rebels in a sustainable manner.

About the author:

Nelson Alusala is a research consultant at the Institute for Security Studies. He previously worked for the United Nations Group of Experts on the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He has also undertaken research on disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration in various contexts in Africa, including in Mozambique and Liberia. He remains engaged in similar initiatives in the continent’s Great Lakes region.

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