Communique of the MDM (Unofficial translation)

COMMUNIQUE

Upon the end of the Second Session of the National Council of the Democratic Movement of Mozambique (MDM) party, in the Provincial capital of Nampula on the 8th of June, the President of MDM, Daviz Mbepo Simango, in line with the programme organised by the Provincial Delegation, moved to the District of Memba for the start of political activities in this and other Districts of Nampula. The work in Memba passed without incident.
The next day, the 9th of June, the MDM Presidential entourage arrived in the city of Nacala Velha at 1pm and worked for one hour with the District Political Delegation as well as members of the local population. Following this, the entourage left for Nacala Porto, where it was enthusiastically received by members and supporters of MDM. It then moved to the location of that afternoon's Party rally in the city.

While the President was watching dances presented by cultural groups, some elements of Renamo and guards of Sr. Afonso Dhlakama arrived, armed with pistols. They had travelled in three 4x4 cars, two of them blue and the other metallic grey, all displaying the banners of the Renamo Party. They invaded the rally area, damaged MDM banners, and attacked members of the Police, taking the firearm of one of them. This was then used to fire on the car of the President of MDM – with the car being hit by bullets - in an attempt on his life.

According to eyewitness testimonies, the assault and attempt on the life of the MDM President took place under the command of the Renamo-UE Deputy of the Assembly of the Republic and Substitute President of the Defense and Public Order Commission, Sr. Manuel Francisco Lole.


After the attempt on the life of Simango, which caused injuries to MDM supporters and to Police agents as well as damage to property, the attackers escaped to the residence of Sr. Afonso Dhlakama in Nacala Porto.

Simango and members of his entourage were told by the city's Police Commander to leave the location of the attack.

The members, activists and supporters of MDM strongly condemn the behaviour of these elements of Renamo, of the guard of Sr. Afonso Dhlakama and in particular of the Deputy of the Assembly of the Republic Sr. Manuel Francisco Lole.

The attempt on the life of Daviz Simango is a clear demonstration that some elements of Renamo and, perhaps, its leadership, are incapable of accepting multi-party democracy and political debate, as well as of understanding the general principles of a Rule of Law.

In light of these events, the MDM demands that the police and justice authorities take the appropriate steps to secure justice.

We state once again our solidarity with the injured Police agent and our wish for his rapid recovery.

Maputo, 10th June 2009.