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.
| Amnesty Law
Since it is necessary to promote political stability, everlasting peace, trust, guarantees, and national reconciliation, under the protection of item V, number 2, of the article 179 of the Constitution of the Republic, the Republican Assembly determine: Article 1
1. Citizens who have committed crimes against the State Security provided for and punished by Law no. 19/91, of August 16 and military crimes or related crimes provided for and punished by Law no. 17/87 of 21 October.
2. Amnesty shall apply to crimes committed against persons and property in connection with military or related hostilities occurring throughout the national territory from March 2012 until the date of entry into force of this law.
3. Amnesty also applies to similar cases in the Dondo District, Savane Administrative Post in 2002, the District of Cheringoma in 2004 and the District of Marínguè in 2011.
4. Crimes of any nature related to military crimes and crimes against State Security are considered to be connected.
Article 2
The State guarantees protection against any criminal proceedings concerning acts and facts covered by Amnesty.
Article 3
This law shall enter into force on the date of its publication.
Memorandum of Understanding
The parties also understand that:
f) After military hostilities, no element belonging to either party may be prosecuted on the basis of acts and facts resulting from such hostilities or related situations.
g) For the purposes of the aforementioned paragraph, the parties agree on the need to approve an amnesty law, in this session of the Assembly of the Republic.
Mechanisms of Guarantee
The parties, in good faith, in the spirit of consolidating National Unity and preserving lasting Peace in our country, as well as the principle of collaboration, consultation and dialogue, guarantee to the Mozambican people and the present understandings and commit to:
e) Once the amnesty has been declared, in the light of the agreements reached between the Government of the Republic of Mozambique and Renamo, any subsequent act constituting a unilateral violation or abandonment of the agreed princes shall be processed, processed and punished in accordance with the applicable legislation; |
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/
Memorandum of Understanding
Promoting and guaranteeing the spirit of reconciliation, which includes the immediate cessation of all hostile manifestation, especially the military manifestation, including in the social communication;
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/
Memorandum of Understanding
The parties also understand that:
- j) At the end of the process no party shall have residual armed forces outside the process of integration and law.
- k) The implementation of these principles should be monitored and monitored by the International Community through the Military Observation Team on the Cessation of Military Hostilities (EMOCHM);
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/
Memorandum of Understanding
The parties also understand that:
- I) After the entire process of integration and framing of the residual forces of Renamo, all military equipment will be delivered to the custody and disposal of the Defense and Security Forces.
- k) The implementation of these principles should be monitored and monitored by the International Community through the Military Observation Team on the Cessation of Military Hostilities (EMOCHM);
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.
| Memorandum of Understanding
The parties affirm the constitutional princes, legislation of the Defense and Security Policy, as well as the prince of dialogue, collaboration and consultation that follow: a) The Defense and Security Forces must be Republican, that is, nonpartisan, serving the Republic of Mozambique with professionalism, respecting the constitutional order that is based on the Rule of Law, democracy and social justice; b) No party, political or related force shall use the Forces of Defense and Security shall be faithful to the Constitution of the Republic; c) The Defense and Security Forces must be faithful to the Constitution of the Republic; d) The organizational structure of the Defense Forces of Mozambique and the Police of the Republic of Mozambique may be changed, after hearing the National Defense and Security Council, in accordance with the law; The parties also understand that: h) For the purpose of operationalizing the issues relating to the preceding paragraphs, the teams of military experts from both sides shall submit a document to the plenary, also containing questions concerning the integration of Renamo’s residual forces into the Defense Forces of Mozambique and Police of Republic of Mozambique and consequent framework of Renamo security. k) The implementation of these principles should be monitored and monitored by the International Community through the Military Observation Team on the Cessation of Military Hostilities (EMOCHM); |
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
Memorandum of Understanding
The parties also understand that:
h) For the purpose of operationalizing the issues relating to the preceding paragraphs, the teams of military experts from both sides shall submit a document to the plenary, also containing questions concerning the integration of Renamo’s residual forces into the Defense Forces of Mozambique and Police of Republic of Mozambique and consequent framework of Renamo security.
k) The implementation of these principles should be monitored and monitored by the International Community through the Military Observation Team on the Cessation of Military Hostilities (EMOCHM);
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.
| Terms of Reference for the Military Observation Team on the Cessation of Military Hostilities – EMOCHM
i. Designation
Military Team of International Observers for the Cessation of Military Hostilities – EMOCHM.
ii. Participating Countries
The EMOCHM is composed of following countries weights:
Botswana; Zimbabwe; South Africa; Kenya; Cape Verde; Portugal; Italy; Great Britain and United States of America.
iii. General Principles and Mission
The delegations agreed:
1) With the need for the immediate and definitive cessation of military hostilities;
2) In preparation for a dialogue at the highest level between His Excellency Armando Emilio Guebuza, President of the Republic of Mozambique and His Excellency Afonso Dhlakama, President of the Renamo Party;
3) To promote and guarantee the spirit of reconciliation by ceasing all hostile manifestations including in social communication
4) With the Terms of Reference of the Military Observers, which includes 23 foreign military officers and 70 Mozambican officers, in the proposal of 50% of the Government and 50% of Renamo in the following terms and with the following mission:
To observe, monitor and guarantee the implementation of the process of cessation of military hostilities and the beginning of subsequent phases, in accordance with the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding, attached to these Terms of Reference and forming an integral part thereof;
IV. Mandate
The mandate of EMOCHM starts ten (10) days after its constitution and is in effect for a pardon of one hundred and thirty five (135) extendable days.
V. Organization and structure of the Team
5.1. Team composition
a) AEMOCHM consists of a total of three (93) Hommens, with one Command based in the city of Maputo and four (4) sub-teams deployed in the Provinces of Sofaia, Inhambane, Tete and Nampula.
(b) EMOCHM Central Command is headed by a Brigadier from Botswana and assisted by four (04) Coroneis, two (02) foreigners, one from Zimbabwe and one from Italy and two (02) national nominees one by the government and the other by Renamo, respectively; one (1) Lieutenant-Colonel and one (1) Major foreign.
c) The Sub-teams of Inhambane and Tete, are composed for four (04) foreigners of which one (01) Colonel; two (02) Lieutenant-Colonels; one (01) Major; and sixteen (16) national, eight (08) from the Government and eight (08) from Renamo, distributed as follows: two (02) Colonels; two (02) lieutenants-coroneis; six (06) Majors and six (06) Captains, making a total of twenty (20) Officers.
d) The Nampula sub-team is composed of four (04) foreigners, one of whom is a (01) Colonel; one (01) lieutenant colonel and two (02) majors. In terms of National Offices, the distribution made to the Provinces of Inhambane and Tete is applicable.
e) The Sofala Sub-team is composed of twenty-six (26) elements, of which six (6) foreigners are distributed as follows: one (01) Colonel; two (02) Lieutenant-Colonels and twenty (20) nationals, ten (10) from the Government and ten (1) from Renamo, two of whom (02) Coroneis; four (04) cornerstones; eight (8) majors and six (06) captains.
f) The origin of the foreign observers mentioned in the previous number and their distribution by Command and sub-teams are listed in tables 5.2 and 5.3.
g) The territorial distribution of the sub-teams of international military observers is not rigid and may be changed whenever the situation on the ground so requires.
6. Preparation and submission of reports
a) The Observers shall prepare reports of their activities and submit the heads of the parties, the Government and Renamo;
b) The parties shall determine the frequency of submission of reports by observers.
7. Operations
7.1. Reactive Operations 7.1.1 Status of the team of observers a) Availability to fulfill the mission; b) Observers shall be provided with the means to enable them to travel quickly to notified locals to ascertain irregularities.
7.1.2. Stress relief a) Communication with and command structure of the parties; b) Permit of free transit; c) Investigate reported acts; d) Formats and procedures of reports; e) Sharing of information with the parties; f) Security of the observer team; g) Evacuation.
8. Ornamentation and Financing
The financing of the process of observation of the cessation of hostilities is the responsibility of the Mozambican State. |
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).