Renamo leader missing in action?

Reports suggest Ossufo Momade may have been captured by guerrillas from his own party

Good afternoon. Just as we were preparing for a quiet festive break, with no big news on the horizon, comes news from Gorongosa that the leader of Renamo, Ossufo Momade, has been captured by Renamo guerrillas who are holding him hostage.

It’s unclear at this stage how much, if anything, of these reports are true; nevertheless, the fact that Momade prevented a group of 350 guerrillas from going ahead with the demobilisation process, in theory keeping them in their military base and without the pay-out that they would get from demobilisation, makes this an undoubtedly volatile situation.

It is already being capitalised on by his opponents within the broader Renamo movement, even if some of them are no longer formally members of the party. The raciest interpretations of what is happening suggest that he will be held hostage until he steps down and calls a leadership election.

The man himself, or his team, has apparently taken to social media to post images of him in Gorongosa and support the view that everything is normal. And perhaps it is. But nevertheless, this is a situation to keep an eye on while the Daily Briefing takes a break of just over a week.

OSSUFO MOMADE PRESIDENTE DA RENAMO @Ossufo_MomadeRN

Encontramo-nos, desde a última segunda-feira, na Serra de Gorogosa, nosso Estado Maior General, onde reunimos com os nossos generais e combatentes aqui aquartelados.  O reencontro com os nossos combatentes visa explicar as razões pelas quais decidimos não avançar com o DDR.

Breaking news will continue to be published on our Live Blog — which is again hosted on our website for those who don’t use Telegram — and we may send an occasional newsletter over the holidays if the news-flow justifies it.

Until then, have a happy and restful holiday season, from all of us at Zitamar News.

---

The latest from Zitamar News:

Mozambique looks to off-grid systems to provide energy for all
Off-grid renewable energy projects will be vital in Mozambique's quest for 100% electrification — and can better withstand climate disasters, without contributing to them

Insurgents capture large munitions stockpile at Chai
Insurgents raided a Mozambican security forces base at Chai, in Macomia district, on Tuesday night, seizing a large array of weapons and ammunition

---

Also in the news:

• Nyusi responds to Renamo claims over incomplete DDR 

• Mozambique to drop customs broker requirements by end of 2023

• Mozambican coal attracts Indian buyers due to competitive prices

• Four bodies found in Macomia forest

• Tourist resorts in Inhambane at 95% capacity 

• Parliament to set up a commission to investigate alleged drug dealer MP