By Takudzwa Mashumba
Escalating tensions between the Mozambican government and the Renamo opposition has attracted international attention with the US calling the two parties to quell the situation to avoid disruption in the country’s growing economy.
It was on Monday when Renamo, former rebel group declared its termination to the 1992 peace accord which ended the 18 year civil war on reasons that the Mozambican forces attacked opposition rebel leader Afonso Dhlakama in Gorongosa.
In a statement US State Department spokesperson Marie Harf said, “We are deeply concerned with the escalating violence between government forces and members of the opposition party Renamo.”
“We are encouraging the two parties to take visible and decisive steps to de escalate the current tense environment,” said Harf.
Dhlakama who has faced defeat in all elections to the ruling Frelimo party has for the past years tried to drag back the country’s economic progress by alleging that Frelimo-led government monopolized both economic and political power.
Dhlakama-led rebel group is said to have attacked a police station in Maringe but no casualty cases were reported according to circulating media reports.
Mozambique economy is expected to grow by 7% this year as is ranked as one of Africa’s fastest growing economy which has attracted investors which include Brazil’s Vale, Italy’s Eni and US oil firm Anardako.
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