Demobilization: The Declaration of Cessation of Military Hostilities
Implementations
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.
Demobilization – 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.
Demobilization – 2016
No progress was made on demobilizing RENAMO in 2016.[1]
[1] “Mozambique; No advance in govt, Renamo talks,” Africa News, October 26, 2016.
Demobilization – 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.
Demobilization – 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.
Demobilization – 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)
Demobilization – 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;
Demobilization – 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/