Mozambique: Approval of constitutional review ‘gigantic step’ president says

Maputo – “With this approval conditions have already been created to take another gigantic step forward in the expansion, consolidation and improvement of our democracy,” said the Mozambican head of state.

Nyusi was speaking at Nacala Porto, Nampula, as part of the working visit he started on Friday in that province of northern Mozambique.

According to the head of state, besides being an important moment for democracy, the unanimous approval of the proposed review of the Constitution, on Wednesday and Thursday, can be seen as the beginning of the process of definitive pacification of the country.

“The one-off review of the Constitution which has yet to be sent down may offer us a renewed opportunity to strengthen peace and unity among Mozambicans,” he added.

Nyusi warned, however, that the process of decentralisation cannot be understood to be splitting the country up.

“The constitutional amendments will provide greater popular participation, ensuring inclusive governance that meets the wishes and needs of the communities,” Nyusi said, expressing openness to continuing peace negotiations with the Mozambican National Resistance (Renamo), the main opposition party.

The substantive changes introduced by the constitutional review include the election of provincial governors and district administrators, hitherto appointed by the central government.

The proposal to revise the Constitution of the Republic with a focus on decentralisation was submitted on 9 February by the Mozambican head of state, under an agreement with Renamo leader Afonso Dhlakama, who died on 3 May due to health complications.

The understanding is the result of talks between Nyusi and Dhlakama with a view to signing an irreversible peace agreement for Mozambique.