First RENAMO military base is shut down.
In 2019, APOPO was honored to be selected to support the ongoing peace process in Mozambique which set out to Disarm, Demobilize and Reintegrate (DDR) Mozambican National Resistance (RENAMO) combatants.
The Peace Process Secretariat selected APOPO to support the collection, storage, safe transport and disposal of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW), munitions and explosives. On July 29th of last year, the first RENAMO weapon was handed over to the Joint Technical Group for DDR (JTGDDR) at the official launch of the DDR process in the presence of RENAMO leader Ossufo Momade in Gorongosa. Thereafter, the Government and RENAMO signed definitive Ceasefire Agreement in Gorongosa (1st August) and the Maputo Peace Accord (6th August).
Despite a temporary pause due to presidential elections in October and then the new coronavirus pandemic, APOPO was offered a second DDR contract to continue SALW destruction and this month (June 2020) whilst minimizing risk with protective measures and a lighter capacity to reduce exposure we were able to continue our efforts.
On 5th June 2020, APOPO Operations Manager and EOD expert Lordes Zavale received the honor of briefing H.E. President Filipe Nyusi, alongside Renamo Leader, Ossufo Momade, at the relaunch of the DDR process in Savane, Dondo, central Mozambique. June 13th, was a historic day for Mozambique’s Peace Process as Renamo’s first military base was officially closed. APOPO was at the forefront of the process and a witness during the inspection and closing of the base.
APOPO MA Mozambique is deeply grateful to our partnes and donors for their support.
