The Declaration of Cessation of Military Hostilities (DCMH)
Date Signed: 12 August, 2014
Accord Type: Comprehensive Peace Agreement
Country: Mozambique
57.14286Implementation Score after 8 years
Provisions in this Accord
Amnesty
2014
The Declaration of Cessation of Military Hostilities (DCMH) included an Amnesty Law that applied to any crimes committed in connection with the hostilities from March 2012 until August 2014.
News reports indicated that approximately 200 RENAMO (Mozambican National Resistance) fighters were released from government captivity on November 6, 2014. The government additionally requested that RENAMO identify other supporters still in government captivity. No additional releases were observed this year.
2015
No further developments observed this year.
2016
No further developments observed this year.
2017
No further developments observed this year.
2018
No further developments observed this year.
2019
On July 29, 2019, the Mozambican parliament, the Assembly of the Republic, passed the amnesty law that granted the broadest possible amnesty to all accused of security and military crimes related to the RENAMO insurrection. Following the passage of this amnesty bill, RENAMO hostility effectively came to an end.[1]
[1] Mavhinga, Dewa. 2019. “Broad Amnesty in Mozambique Likely to Fuel Future Abuses.”
https://www.hrw.org/news/2019/07/30/broad-amnesty-mozambique-likely-fuel-future-abuses
2020
No further development after the passage of the Amnesty Bill in July 2019. All who had criminal and security accusations related to the RENAMO insurrection received amnesty.
2021
No further development after the passage of the Amnesty Bill in July 2019. All who faced criminal and security accusations related to the RENAMO insurrection received amnesty.
Cease Fire
2014
The Declaration of Cessation of Military Hostilities included an immediate ceasefire.
Armed Conflict Location & Event Data (ACLED) notes low-level clashes between protesters associated with RENAMO and police continued through the end of 2014.[1] However, the violence was low level and did not seem to be coordinated by RENAMO, and produced no fatalities.
[1] Raleigh, Clionadh, Andrew Linke, Håvard Hegre and Joakim Karlsen. 2010. Introducing ACLED – Armed Conflict Location and Event Data. Journal of Peace Research 47(5), 651-660.
2015
There were several direct clashes between members of RENAMO and the Mozambican police in 2015, according to ACLED.[1] Notably, in September, a convoy including RENAMO leader Afonso Dhlakama were involved in a shootout with the police in Gondola. RENAMO described the attack as a government ambush, while the government claimed police responded to the convoy’s attack on a civilian minibus taxi.[2] In June, RENAMO threatened to use its forces to reclaim control in provinces that voted for Dhlakama in the 2014 General Election following the defeat of a bill that would have allowed RENAMO to appoint the government in these provinces.[3][4] In November, the government Interior Minister threatened to disarm RENAMO by force.[5]
[1] Raleigh, Clionadh, Andrew Linke, Håvard Hegre and Joakim Karlsen. 2010. Introducing ACLED – Armed Conflict Location and Event Data. Journal of Peace Research 47(5), 651-660.
[2] “Death toll in Mozambique Renamo shootout rises to 20: Police,” Agence France Presse, September 27, 2015.
[3] “Mozambique; Renamo threatens to set up arm- report,” Africa News, June 12, 2015.
[4] “Mozambique’s president says to preserve national unity at all cost,” Xinhua, June 26, 2015.
[5] “Interior Minister promises to disarm Renamo,” Agencia de Informacao de Mocambique, November 4, 2015.
2016
Clashes between RENAMO and government security forces became more common in 2016.[1] Third party mediators arrived in the country in July for talks but left in mid-December without negotiating a ceasefire. However, the government and RENAMO announced a 7-day ceasefire starting December 27.[2][3]
[1] Raleigh, Clionadh, Andrew Linke, Håvard Hegre and Joakim Karlsen. 2010. Introducing ACLED – Armed Conflict Location and Event Data. Journal of Peace Research 47(5), 651-660.
[2] Pearce, Justin. “Mozambique’s unexpected truce still hangs in the balance,” The Conversation, January 17, 2017.
[3] “Mozambique’s opposition agrees 7-day truce after call with president,” Reuters, December 27, 2016.
2017
The December 27, 2016 ceasefire was extended an additional 60 days on January 3, 2017.[1] The ceasefire was extended indefinitely on May 4.[2] There were very few clashes between RENAMO and government security forces in 2017. [3]
[1] Mucari, Manual, “Mozambique’s opposition extends ceasefire to aid peace talks,” Reuters, January 3, 2017.
[2] Mucari, Manual, “Mozambique rebel movement Renamo extends truce indefinitely,” Reuters, May 4, 2017.
[3] Raleigh, Clionadh, Andrew Linke, Håvard Hegre and Joakim Karlsen. 2010. Introducing ACLED – Armed Conflict Location and Event Data. Journal of Peace Research 47(5), 651-660.
2018
No clashes between government forces and RENAMO were observed this year in ACLED as of September 18.[1]
[1] Raleigh, Clionadh, Andrew Linke, Håvard Hegre and Joakim Karlsen. 2010. Introducing ACLED – Armed Conflict Location and Event Data. Journal of Peace Research 47(5), 651-660.
2019
No clashes between government forces and RENAMO were observed this year. However, some members of RENAMO disagreed with the Peace and Reconciliation Agreement reached between the Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi and the leader of the former rebel movement RENAMO. The disagreement led to the splintering of the RENAMO movement with General Mariano Nhongo establishing the RENAMO Military Junta (RMJ), which was estimated to have 500 combatants across eleven RENAMO bases.[1]
[1] Cascais, Antonio. Mozambique peace deal threatened. Deutsche Welle (DW). https://www.dw.com/en/no-peace-no-election-in-mozambique-renamo-junta-leader-tells-dw/a-50198676
2020
No clashes between government forces and RENAMO were observed this year. The RENAMO Military Junta (RMJ) continued to operate this year, with the Mozambique government calling the RMJ to join the demobilization process.[1]
[1] Mozambique: Nyusi urges Renamo Military Junta to demobilise – AIM report. Club of Mozambique. https://clubofmozambique.com/news/mozambique-nyusi-urges-renamo-military-junta-to-demobilise-aim-report-180746/
2021
No clashes between government forces and RENAMO were observed this year. Members of the RENAMO Military Junta (RMJ) ceased its opposition as the last of 24 combatants joined the DDR process.[1] While RJM has yet to participate fully in the DDR process, there were no reported ceasefire violations.
[1] Mozambique: Disarmament of Military Junta concluded, last 24 join DDR – Lusa. Club of Mozambique, https://clubofmozambique.com/news/mozambique-disarmament-of-military-junta-concluded-last-24-join-ddr-lusa-206015/
Demobilization
2014
Under the Declaration of Cessation of Military Hostilities, both sides committed not to maintain militias.
A November news report noted discussions between the government and RENAMO over the demobilization, disarmament, and integration of RENAMO combatants had deadlocked over RENAMO’s refusal to provide the government with a list of combatants.[1]
[1] “Mozambique; Still no advance in disarming Renamo,” Africa News, November 18, 2014.
2015
No progress was made on demobilizing RENAMO in 2015. RENAMO continued to clash with government forces throughout the year. In June, RENAMO threatened to use its forces to reclaim control in provinces that voted for Dhlakama in the 2014 General Election following the defeat of a bill that would have allowed RENAMO to appoint the government in these provinces.[1] RENAMO additionally claimed to have forces mobilized throughout the country. [2]
[1] “Mozambique’s president says to preserve national unity at all cost,” Xinhua, June 26, 2015.
[2] “Mozambique; Renamo threatens to set up arm- report,” Africa News, June 12, 2015.
2016
No progress was made on demobilizing RENAMO in 2016.[1]
[1] “Mozambique; No advance in govt, Renamo talks,” Africa News, October 26, 2016.
2017
The government and RENAMO established a working group to address disarmament, demobilization, and integration of RENAMO combatants into the police and military. However, demobilization did not occur in 2017.[1]
[1] “Mozambique; Nysui in new dialogue with rebel leader,” Africa News, December 14, 2017.
2018
On August 6, the Mozambican government announced an agreement had been reached with RENAMO on the demobilization, disarmament, and integration of RENAMO combatants.[1] In September, the government established four working groups with RENAMO to implement the agreement.[2] On September 16, President Nyusi announced he had invited foreign experts to help identify sites where RENAMO combatants could be assembled for demobilization, suggesting demobilization had not begun.[3]
[1] “Government and Renamo sign memorandum on military issues,” Agencia de Informacao de Mocambique, August 7, 2018.
[2] “Nyusi announces groups to work on demilitarisation of Renamo,” Agencia de Informacao de Mocambique, August 16, 2018.
[3] “Six countries willing to help in disarming Renamo,” Mozambique News Agency, September 16, 2018.
2019
On August 6th, 2019, Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi and the leader of the former rebel movement RENAMO, Ossufo Momade, reached an agreement on Peace and Reconciliation. While the terms of the agreement remain secret, the deal includes issues specific to the demobilization, disarmament, and reintegration of RENAMO combatants. As part of the deal, RENAMO submitted a list of 5,211 names to the Joint Technical Group on DDR of which only a handful of combatants were demobilized before the October election.[1]
[1] Weimer, Bernhard. “Walking the Talk? A critical perspective on Sustainable Peace and Reconciliation in Mozambique.” FES Peace and Security Series 38 (2020); Kleinfeld, Philip. 2019. Cracks Form in Mozambique’s Latest Push for Peace. The New Humanitarian (September 03, 2019)
2020
According to the Peace Process Support Secretariat that released periodic statements on the implementation process, the DDR process started after over a year of pause in June 2020 and some progress was made on demobilizing the RENAMO combatants. It was reported that six RENAMO bases were closed in 2020 (Sofala province, Muxugue, Gorongosa, Inhaminga, Chemba, Maringue, and Mobete). Out of 5,211, only 1,511 combatants were disarmed and demobilized at the end of 2020.[1]
[1] Peace Process Support Secretariat (Mozambique). https://maputoaccord.org/en;
2021
By December 2021, a total of 11 RENAMO bases were closed and 63% of all RENAMO combatants (3,270) were demobilized and disarmed.[1] Most of the RENAMO Military Junta (RMJ) combatants submitted to the demobilization and disarmament process. [2]
[1] Peace Process Support Secretariat (Mozambique). https://maputoaccord.org/en (Statement of December 11, 2021).
[2] Mozambique: Nyusi urges Renamo Military Junta to demobilise – AIM report. Club of Mozambique. https://clubofmozambique.com/news/mozambique-nyusi-urges-renamo-military-junta-to-demobilise-aim-report-180746/
Disarmament
2014
Under the Declaration of Cessation of Military Hostilities, RENAMO agreed to surrender all military equipment to the government for disposal.
A November news report noted discussions between the government and RENAMO over the demobilization, disarmament, and integration of RENAMO combatants had deadlocked over RENAMO’s refusal to provide the government with a list of combatants.[1]
[1] “Mozambique; Still no advance in disarming Renamo,” Africa News, November 18, 2014.
2015
No progress was made on disarming RENAMO in 2015. RENAMO continued to clash with government forces throughout the year. In November, the government Interior Minister threatened to disarm RENAMO by force.[1]
[1] “Interior Minister promises to disarm Renamo,” Agencia de Informacao de Mocambique, November 4, 2015.
2016
No progress was made on disarming RENAMO in 2016.[1]
[1] “Mozambique; No advance in govt, Renamo talks,” Africa News, October 26, 2016.
2017
The government and RENAMO established a working group to address disarmament, demobilization, and integration of RENAMO combatants into the police and military. However, no disarmament occurred in 2017.[1]
[1] “Mozambique; Nysui in new dialogue with rebel leader,” Africa News, December 14, 2017.
2018
On August 6, the Mozambican government announced an agreement had been reached with RENAMO on the demobilization, disarmament and integration of RENAMO combatants.[1] In September, the government established four working groups with RENAMO to implement the agreement.[2] On September 16, President Nyusi announced he had invited foreign experts to help the government collect and destroy weapons, suggesting disarmament had not begun. [3]
[1] “Government and Renamo sign memorandum on military issues,” Agencia de Informacao de Mocambique, August 7, 2018.
[2] “Nyusi announces groups to work on demilitarisation of Renamo,” Agencia de Informacao de Mocambique, August 16, 2018.
[3] “Six countries willing to help in disarming Renamo,” Mozambique News Agency, September 16, 2018.
2019
On August 06 2019, Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi and the leader of the former rebel movement RENAMO, Ossufo Momade, reached an agreement on Peace and Reconciliation. While the terms of the agreement remain secret, the deal includes issues specific to the demobilization, disarmament, and reintegration of RENAMO combatants. As part of the deal, RENAMO submitted a list of 5,211 names to the Joint Technical Group on DDR, but only a handful of firearms were handed over.[1]
[1] Weimer, Bernhard. “Walking the Talk? A critical perspective on Sustainable Peace and Reconciliation in Mozambique.” FES Peace and Security Series 38 (2020).
2020
According to the Peace Process Support Secretariat that released periodic statements on the implementation process, the DDR process started after over a year of pause in June 2020 and some progress was made on demobilizing the RENAMO combatants. It was reported that six RENAMO bases were closed in 2020 (Sofala province, Muxugue, Gorongosa, Inhaminga, Chemba, Maringue, and Mobete). Out of 5,211, only 1,511 combatants were disarmed and demobilized at the end of 2020.[1]
[1] Peace Process Support Secretariat (Mozambique). https://maputoaccord.org/en;
2021
By December 2021, a total of 11 RENAMO bases were closed and 63% of all RENAMO combatants (3,270) were demobilized and disarmed.[1] Most of the RENAMO Military Junta (RMJ) combatants submitted to the demobilization and disarmament process. [2]
[1] Peace Process Support Secretariat (Mozambique). https://maputoaccord.org/en (Statement of December 11, 2021).
[2] Mozambique: Nyusi urges Renamo Military Junta to demobilise – AIM report. Club of Mozambique. https://clubofmozambique.com/news/mozambique-nyusi-urges-renamo-military-junta-to-demobilise-aim-report-180746/
Military Reform
2014
The Declaration of Cessation of Military Hostilities stipulated that the Defense and Security forces should be nonpartisan and not used in service of any political party. The agreement stipulated that experts from the government and RENAMO should produce a document addressing the integration of RENAMO combatants into the military.
A September news report quoted the head of the government’s delegation, who stated that the government and RENAMO were making progress in drafting a list of RENAMO combatants to be integrated into the military and police.[1] However, a November news report noted discussions between the government and RENAMO over the demobilization, disarmament, and integration of RENAMO combatants had deadlocked over RENAMO’s refusal to provide the government with a list of combatants.[2]
[1] “Mozambique; Military observers to start work on 30 September,” Africa News, September 23, 2014.
[2] “Mozambique; Still no advance in disarming Renamo,” Africa News, November 18, 2014.
2015
No progress was made on military reform in 2015. RENAMO claimed the government had violated the Declaration of Cessation of Military Hostilities by failing to integrate RENAMO combatants into the military and police. The government blamed RENAMO for failing to provide the government with a list of individuals it wanted incorporated into the security forces.[1]
[1] “Interior Minister promises to disarm Renamo,” Agencia de Informacao de Mocambique, November 4, 2015.
2016
Talks between the government and RENAMO on integrating RENAMO forces into the military continued in 2016. However, integration did not begin this year.[1]
[1] “Mozambique; ‘Integration’ of Renamo members into army under discussion,” Africa News, September 20, 2016.
2017
The government and RENAMO established a working group to address disarmament, demobilization, and integration of RENAMO combatants into the police and military. However, reintegration did not occur in 2017.[1]
[1] “Mozambique; Nysui in new dialogue with rebel leader,” Africa News, December 14, 2017.
2018
On August 6, the Mozambican government announced an agreement had been reached with RENAMO on the demobilization, disarmament, and integration of RENAMO combatants.[1] In September, the government established four working groups with RENAMO to implement the agreement. [2] On September 12, the deputy defense minister announced that the government had begun integrating RENAMO combatants into the military, although the government had not released concrete numbers as of September 18.[3]
[1] “Government and Renamo sign memorandum on military issues,” Agencia de Informacao de Mocambique, August 7, 2018.
[2] “Nyusi announces groups to work on demilitarisation of Renamo,” Agencia de Informacao de Mocambique, August 16, 2018.
[3] “Integration of Renamo men going ahead ‘as planned,’” Agencia de Informacao de Mocambique, September 12, 2018.
2019
Since the deputy defense minister announced the initiation of the RENAMO integration into the military in September 2018, no further advancement is observed.
2020
Since the deputy defense minister announced the initiation of the RENAMO integration into the military in September 2018, no further advancement is observed.
2021
No further advancement is observed regarding former RENAMO combatants joining the military.
Police Reform
2015
No progress was made on police reform in 2015. RENAMO claimed the government had violated the Declaration of Cessation of Military Hostilities by failing to integrate RENAMO combatants into the military and police. The government blamed RENAMO for failing to provide the government with a list of individuals it wanted integrated into the security forces.[1]
[1] “Interior Minister promises to disarm Renamo,” Agencia de Informacao de Mocambique, November 4, 2015.
2014
The Declaration of Cessation of Military Hostilities stipulated that experts from the government and RENAMO should produce a document addressing the integration of RENAMO combatants into the police.
A September news report quoted the head of the government’s delegation as stating that the government and RENAMO were making progress on drafting a list of RENAMO combatants to be integrated into the military and police.[1] However, a later report suggested these negotiations deadlocked in November.[2]
[1] “Mozambique; Military observers to start work on 30 September,” Africa News, September 23, 2014.
[2] “Mozambique; Still no advance in disarming Renamo,” Africa News, November 18, 2014.
2016
Talks between the government and RENAMO on integrating RENAMO forces into the police continued in 2016. However, integration did not begin this year.[1]
[1] “Mozambique; ‘Integration’ of Renamo members into army under discussion,” Africa News, September 20, 2016.
2017
The government and RENAMO established a working group to address disarmament, demobilization, and integration of RENAMO combatants into the police and military. However, reintegration did not occur in 2017.[1]
[1] “Mozambique; Nysui in new dialogue with rebel leader,” Africa News, December 14, 2017.
2018
On August 6, the Mozambican government announced an agreement had been reached with RENAMO on the demobilization, disarmament, and integration of RENAMO combatants.[1] At the end of August, the government announced that ten former RENAMO combatants had been integrated into the Mozambican police.[2] In September, the government established four working groups with RENAMO to implement the agreement.[3]
[1] “Government and Renamo sign memorandum on military issues,” Agencia de Informacao de Mocambique, August 7, 2018.
[2] “Ten Mozambique opposition militia absorbed into police force,” BBC Monitoring Africa- Political, September 4, 2018.
[3] “Nyusi announces groups to work on demilitarisation of Renamo,” Agencia de Informacao de Mocambique, August 16, 2018.
2019
At the end of August 2018, the government announced that ten former RENAMO combatants had been integrated into the Mozambican police and the start of their training.[1] But, no further intake of RENAMO combatants joining either the police or military reported since August 2018.[2]
[1] “Ten Mozambique opposition militia absorbed into police force,” BBC Monitoring Africa- Political, September 4, 2018.
[2] Police training of ex-renamo guerrillas ends. Mozambique News Agency (December 4, 2019)
2020
At the end of August 2018, the government announced that ten former RENAMO combatants had been integrated into the Mozambican police and started their training.[1] No further information is available other than the ten former RENAMO combatants assuming their responsibility in the Police of the Republic of Mozambique in July 2020.[2]
[1] “Ten Mozambique opposition militia absorbed into police force,” BBC Monitoring Africa- Political, September 4, 2018.
[2] Former Renamo guerrillas take up positions in Mozambican police. Club of Mozambique. https://clubofmozambique.com/news/former-renamo-guerrillas-take-up-positions-in-mozambican-police-164903/
2021
At the end of August 2018, the government announced that ten former RENAMO combatants had been integrated into the Mozambican police and the start of their training.[1] The August agreement stipulates integration of 300 demobilized RENAMO combatants into the Police of the Republic of Mozambique. After the integration of 10 demobilized RENAMO combatants into the police force, training for an additional 36 members started in 2021.[2]
[1] “Ten Mozambique opposition militia absorbed into police force,” BBC Monitoring Africa- Political, September 4, 2018.
[2] Mozambique: Former Renamo Fighters to Train As Police Officers. AllAfrica. https://allafrica.com/stories/202107130755.html
Verification/Monitoring Mechanism
2014
The Declaration of Cessation of Military Hostilities created a Military Team of International Observers for the Cessation of Military Hostilities (EMOCHM). EMOCHM was to monitor and guarantee the ceasefire for a renewable mandate of 135 days. It was to be comprised of Mozambican and foreign observers, with the Mozambican members being split evenly between the government and RENAMO.
International observers began to arrive on September 16, 2014.[1] The government and RENAMO agreed that the international mission would begin on September 30, 2014, and reaffirmed the 135-day mandate.[2] The four provincial sub-teams were deployed on October 29, 2014.[3]
[1] “Mozambique: International observers arrive in Mozambique,” Africa News, September 17, 2014.
[2] “Mozambique: Military observers to start work on 30 September,” Africa News, September 23, 2014.
[3] “Mozambique; Military observers deploy to provinces on 29 October,” Africa News, October 21, 2014.
2015
EMOCHM’s 135 day mandate expired in February, and RENAMO and the government eventually extended the mandate by an additional 60 days. American observers never arrived, and European observers departed after the initial 135 days. By May, only the observers from Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Cape Verde had remained in the country.[1] In June, the government dissolved RENAMO, and the remaining Mozambican and foreign observers returned home. RENAMO protested the government’s decision to dissolve the group, while the government claimed that given RENAMO’s continued refusal to begin the demobilization process by providing a list of fighters it wanted integrated into the security forces, there was no point in extending EMOCHM’s mandate further.[2]
[1] “Mozambique; EMOCHM ends, Renamo-government dialogue still deadlocked,” Africa News, May 19, 2015.
[2] “Mozambique; Foreign military observers leaving Mozambique,” Africa News, June 2, 2015.
2016
EMOCHM concluded activities in 2015.
2017
EMOCHM concluded activities in 2015.
Advisory groups working on decentralization and military matters were established as part of the verification process. The decentralization working group included members from the government (Albano Macie and Eduardo Chiziane) and RENAMO (Saimone Macuiana and Maria Joaquina). The military working group included government members Gen Armando Panguene and Col Ismael Mangueira, as well as RENAMO members Andre Magibire and Leovilgildo Buanancasso.[1] A Contact Group comprising international actors was established in March 2017 that included ambassadors from Switzerland, the USA, China, the European Union, Norway, and the High Commissioners of Botswana and the United Kingdom. The Contact Group would advise and provide technical support to the decentralization and military working groups.[2]
No further details are available at the beginning of the verification process that the working groups and the Contact Group carried out.
[1] Nyusi appoints “Contact Group” for peace talks. Club of Mozambique. https://clubofmozambique.com/news/nyusi-appoints-contact-group-peace-talks/
[2] Nyusi appoints “Contact Group” for peace talks. Club of Mozambique. https://clubofmozambique.com/news/nyusi-appoints-contact-group-peace-talks/
2018
No further detail is available at the beginning of the verification process that the working groups and the Contact Group carried out.
2019
No further detail is available at the beginning of the verification process that the working groups and the Contact Group carried out.
2020
Statements from the Peace Process Support Secretariat suggest that members of a Contact Group visited RENAMO bases as they carried out the DDR process. The details are not available.
2021
Statements from the Peace Process Support Secretariat suggest that members of a Contact Group visited RENAMO bases as they carried out the DDR process. The details are not available.
Please always cite: “Expanding the Peace Accords Matrix Implementation Dataset: Partial peace agreements in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement negotiation and implementation process, 1989–2021.” Madhav Joshi, Matthew Hauenstein, and Jason Quinn. Journal of Peace Research (2025).