Agreement of the Definitive Cessation of Military Hostilities

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Country/entity: Mozambique
Region: Africa (excl MENA)
Agreement name: Agreement of the Definitive Cessation of Military Hostilities
Date: 1 Aug 2019
Agreement status: Multiparty signed/agreed
Interim arrangement: Yes
Agreement/conflict level: Intrastate/intrastate conflict
Stage: Ceasefire/related
Conflict nature: Government/territory
Peace process: Mozambique process - recent
Parties: For Mozambique:
Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, President of the Republic of Mozambique

For RENAMO:
Ossufo Momade, Coordinator of the Political Commission of the Mozambican National Resistance - RENAMO
Third parties: -
Description: This document commits the signatories to cease military hostilities permanently and emphasizes the adoption of dialogue as the primary mechanism for conflict resolution, underpinning the mutual dedication to disarmament, demobilization, and the socio-economic reintegration of combatants. It outlines specific obligations for both parties to prevent acts of violence, ensure the smooth implementation of disarmament and reintegration processes, and introduces structured mechanisms for oversight and verification. Enacted within the broader context of Mozambique's pursuit of socio-economic development and national reconciliation, the agreement reflects a concerted effort to stabilize the nation through principles of democracy and human rights, while also detailing protocols for conflict resolution and safeguarding political figures and civilian populations.

Agreement document: MZ_190801_Agreement of the Definitive Cessation of Military Hostilities (opens in new tab) | Download PDF
Agreement document (original language): MZ_190801_Agreement of the Definitive Cessation of Military Hostilities_PT (opens in new tab)| Download PDF

Groups

Children/youth: Groups→Children/youth→Rhetorical
3.2. Responsibilities of Renamo
Renamo undertakes to respect all dispositions of the present Accord, namely:
...
D. Not to recruit, whether voluntarily or by force, or mobilise personnel of any gender or age for its armed contingent;
Disabled persons: No specific mention.
Elderly/age: No specific mention.
Migrant workers: No specific mention.
Racial/ethnic/national group: No specific mention.
Religious groups: No specific mention.
Indigenous people: No specific mention.
Other groups: No specific mention.
Refugees/displaced persons: Groups→Refugees/displaced persons→Rhetorical
3.1. Responsibilities of the Government
The Government undertakes to respect all dispositions of the present Accord, namely:
...
D. To facilitate the free return of people possibly displaced by military hostilities;
Social class: No specific mention.

Gender

Women, girls and gender: 3.2. Responsibilities of Renamo
Renamo undertakes to respect all dispositions of the present Accord, namely:
...
D. Not to recruit, whether voluntarily or by force, or mobilise personnel of any gender or age for its armed contingent;
Men and boys: Gender→Men and boys→Gender neutral wording
3.2. Responsibilities of Renamo
Renamo undertakes to respect all dispositions of the present Accord, namely:
...
D. Not to recruit, whether voluntarily or by force, or mobilise personnel of any gender or age for its armed contingent;
LGBTI: No specific mention.
Family: No specific mention.

State definition

Nature of state (general): No specific mention.
State configuration: No specific mention.
Self determination: No specific mention.
Referendum: No specific mention.
State symbols: No specific mention.
Independence/secession: No specific mention.
Accession/unification: No specific mention.
Border delimitation: No specific mention.
Cross-border provision: No specific mention.

Governance

Political institutions (new or reformed): No specific mention.
Elections: No specific mention.
Electoral commission: No specific mention.
Political parties reform: No specific mention.
Civil society: No specific mention.
Traditional/religious leaders: No specific mention.
Public administration: No specific mention.
Constitution: No specific mention.

Power sharing

Political power sharing: No specific mention.
Territorial power sharing: No specific mention.
Economic power sharing: No specific mention.
Military power sharing: Power sharing→Military power sharing→Merger of forces
Preamble
...
Aware of the consensus achieved on the agenda regarding the military affairs, which led to the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding that establishes the process of Disarmament, Demobilisation, and Socioeconomic Reintegration (DDR) of the Renamo armed force as well as the incorporation of part thereof in the Mozambique Armed Defence Forces and in the Police of the Republic of Mozambique;

Human rights and equality

Human rights/RoL general: Preamble
...
Guided by the principles of the Democratic State under the Rule of Law and by the respect for Human Rights, the Parties hereby agree in the following terms:
Bill of rights/similar: No specific mention.
Treaty incorporation: No specific mention.
Civil and political rights: Human rights and equality→Civil and political rights→Torture
3. Responsibilities of Parties
...
G. To refrain from practices of torture or or degrading treatment of members of either Party;
Human rights and equality→Civil and political rights→Freedom of movement
3.2. Responsibilities of Renamo
Renamo undertakes to respect all dispositions of the present Accord, namely:
...
E. To facilitate the free transit of people and goods and to refrain from obstructing this right of citizens;
Socio-economic rights: No specific mention.

Rights related issues

Citizenship: No specific mention.
Democracy: Preamble
...
Guided by the principles of the Democratic State under the Rule of Law and by the respect for Human Rights, the Parties hereby agree in the following terms:
Detention procedures: No specific mention.
Media and communication: Rights related issues→Media and communication→Other
3. Responsibilities of Parties
...
E. To refrain from using hostile propaganda, including issuing defamatory statements, untruths or derogatory language against the other Party;
Mobility/access: 3.2. Responsibilities of Renamo
Renamo undertakes to respect all dispositions of the present Accord, namely:
...
F. To refrain from blocking or creating checkpoints;
Protection measures: Rights related issues→Protection measures→Protection of civilians
3. Responsibilities of Parties
...
A. To refrain from hostile acts or military attacks against forces, positions or properties of the other Party and of civilian population in general;
...
C. Not to harass or take hostage members of the forces of defence and security carrying
out missions of security or protection of the civilian population;
...
3.2. Responsibilities of Renamo
Renamo undertakes to respect all dispositions of the present Accord, namely:
A. To refrain from violent acts of armed attacks against civilian population and its properties, as well as positions of the Forces of Defence and Security;
Other: No specific mention.

Rights institutions

NHRI: No specific mention.
Regional or international human rights institutions: No specific mention.

Justice sector reform

Criminal justice and emergency law: No specific mention.
State of emergency provisions: No specific mention.
Judiciary and courts: No specific mention.
Prisons and detention: No specific mention.
Traditional Laws: No specific mention.

Socio-economic reconstruction

Development or socio-economic reconstruction: No specific mention.
National economic plan: No specific mention.
Natural resources: No specific mention.
International funds: No specific mention.
Business: No specific mention.
Taxation: No specific mention.
Banks: No specific mention.

Land, property and environment

Land reform/rights: No specific mention.
Pastoralist/nomadism rights: No specific mention.
Cultural heritage: No specific mention.
Environment: No specific mention.
Water or riparian rights or access: No specific mention.

Security sector

Security Guarantees: No specific mention.
Ceasefire: Security sector→Ceasefire→Ceasefire provision
Preamble
...
Aware of the consensus achieved on the agenda regarding the military affairs, which led to the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding that establishes the process of Disarmament, Demobilisation, and Socioeconomic Reintegration (DDR) of the Renamo armed force as well as the incorporation of part thereof in the Mozambique Armed Defence Forces and in the Police of the Republic of Mozambique;
...
1. Definitive Cessation of Military Hostilities
The Parties declare the definitive cessation of all military hostilities and commit themselves to ensure that all armed groups or institutions under their control scrupulously comply with all the provisions established herein.
2. Scope of Application
The present Accord is applicable in all national territory.
3. Responsibilities of Parties
The parties undertake:
A. To refrain from hostile acts or military attacks against forces, positions or properties of the other Party and of civilian population in general;
B. Not to harass or take hostage members of the other party who are authorised to bear arms;
C. Not to harass or take hostage members of the forces of defence and security carrying
out missions of security or protection of the civilian population;
D. To refrain from placing land/water mines or employing firearms, incendiary devices
and preventing their removal, deactivation or dismantling;
...
F. Not to practise violent acts of any nature against members of either Party;
G. To refrain from practices of torture or or degrading treatment of members of either Party;
H. Not to practise acts of violence and intimidation in the pursuit of political objectives.
3.1. Responsibilities of the Government
The Government undertakes to respect all dispositions of the present Accord, namely:
A. To refrain from assuming threatening positions or surrounding Renamo bases which are known by the Military Affairs Commission/GTCDDR during the process of their dismantling under the Memorandum of Understanding on Military Affairs;
B. To notify, within a minimum period of 5 days, of its approach within a radius of 2 km of a Renamo base known by the Military Affairs Commission/GTCDDR, prior to its dismantling;
...
E. To mobilise internal and external resources to facilitate the process of socio-economic Reintegration of armed elements of Renamo displaced under the Memorandum of Understanding on Military Affairs.
3.2. Responsibilities of Renamo
Renamo undertakes to respect all dispositions of the present Accord, namely:
A. To refrain from violent acts of armed attacks against civilian population and its properties, as well as positions of the Forces of Defence and Security;
B. Not to acquire, upgrade or distribute weapons, ammunition or any other war material;
C. To refrain from creating or occupying new positions in the national territory or committing offensive acts;
D. Not to recruit, whether voluntarily or by force, or mobilise personnel of any gender or age for its armed contingent;
E. To facilitate the free transit of people and goods and to refrain from obstructing this right of citizens;
F. To refrain from blocking or creating checkpoints;
G. To complete the process of providing the Military Affairs Commission/Joint Technical Group for Disarmament, Demobilisation, and Reintegration (GTCDDR) with updated, trustworthy, and verifiable information regarding the number, location, organisation and composition of any remaining bases, including personnel, weapons
in storage/hides or in the possession of its personnel, explosive devices, mines and other war artefacts, within 10 days of the entry into force of this Accord;
H. To collaborate with the Military Affairs Commission in the pursuit of disarmament and demobilisation of personnel and deactivation of artefacts that eventually have not been completed within the period stipulated in the revised calendar of the memorandum;
I. To notify the other party, at least 5 days in advance, of the passage of its armed elements to the Accommodation Centres within the scope of the DDR;
J. To collaborate with GTCDDR, supported by the International Community, in the conclusion of DDR within the deadlines stipulated in the calendar of the Memorandum of Understanding on Military Affairs;
K. To facilitate the process of dismantling bases and clearing landmines or undetonated explosive devices;
...
5. Dismantling of the Bases and Positions Related to the Military Hostilities
The dismantling of the bases and positions related to the military hostilities must be made in compliance with the provisions of the Memorandum of Understanding on Military Affairs and concluded by 21 August of the current year.
6. Protection Force of the President of Renamo
A. The security of the President, of other Senior Leaders, and of the facilities of Renamo is ensured by a contingent of the Police of the Republic of Mozambique, responsible for the protection of Relevant Individuals and constituted from elements selected under the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding on Military Affairs.
B. The quartering, as well as the respective logistical assurance, is the responsibility of the Police of the Republic of Mozambique.
Security sector→Ceasefire→General commitments
Preamble
...
Committed to a future of peace and reconciliation in Mozambique;
Determined to end the military hostilities and prevent their resumption;
Committed to giving primacy to permanent dialogue as a means of conflict resolution;
In recognition that peace and national reconciliation are pre-conditions for socio-economic development;
...
Renamo undertakes to respect all dispositions of the present Accord, namely:
...
7. Conflict Resolution
The parties undertake to give primacy to dialogue in the resolution of queries or conflicts resulting from the interpretation or implementation of the present Agreement.
Police: Preamble
...
Aware of the consensus achieved on the agenda regarding the military affairs, which led to the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding that establishes the process of Disarmament, Demobilisation, and Socioeconomic Reintegration (DDR) of the Renamo armed force as well as the incorporation of part thereof in the Mozambique Armed Defence Forces and in the Police of the Republic of Mozambique;
...
3. Responsibilities of Parties
...
C. Not to harass or take hostage members of the forces of defence and security carrying
out missions of security or protection of the civilian population;
...
3.2. Responsibilities of Renamo
Renamo undertakes to respect all dispositions of the present Accord, namely:
A. To refrain from violent acts of armed attacks against civilian population and its properties, as well as positions of the Forces of Defence and Security;
...
6. Protection Force of the President of Renamo
A. The security of the President, of other Senior Leaders, and of the facilities of Renamo is ensured by a contingent of the Police of the Republic of Mozambique, responsible for the protection of Relevant Individuals and constituted from elements selected under the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding on Military Affairs.
B. The quartering, as well as the respective logistical assurance, is the responsibility of the Police of the Republic of Mozambique.
Armed forces: Preamble
...
Aware of the consensus achieved on the agenda regarding the military affairs, which led to the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding that establishes the process of Disarmament, Demobilisation, and Socioeconomic Reintegration (DDR) of the Renamo armed force as well as the incorporation of part thereof in the Mozambique Armed Defence Forces and in the Police of the Republic of Mozambique;
...
3. Responsibilities of Parties
...
C. Not to harass or take hostage members of the forces of defence and security carrying
out missions of security or protection of the civilian population;
...
3.2. Responsibilities of Renamo
Renamo undertakes to respect all dispositions of the present Accord, namely:
A. To refrain from violent acts of armed attacks against civilian population and its properties, as well as positions of the Forces of Defence and Security;
DDR: Security sector→DDR→Demilitarisation provisions
3. Responsibilities of Parties
...
D. To refrain from placing land/water mines or employing firearms, incendiary devices
and preventing their removal, deactivation or dismantling;
Security sector→DDR→DDR programmes
Preamble
...
Aware of the consensus achieved on the agenda regarding the military affairs, which led to the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding that establishes the process of Disarmament, Demobilisation, and Socioeconomic Reintegration (DDR) of the Renamo armed force as well as the incorporation of part thereof in the Mozambique Armed Defence Forces and in the Police of the Republic of Mozambique;
...
3.1. Responsibilities of the Government
The Government undertakes to respect all dispositions of the present Accord, namely:
A. To refrain from assuming threatening positions or surrounding Renamo bases which are known by the Military Affairs Commission/GTCDDR during the process of their dismantling under the Memorandum of Understanding on Military Affairs;
B. To notify, within a minimum period of 5 days, of its approach within a radius of 2 km of a Renamo base known by the Military Affairs Commission/GTCDDR, prior to its dismantling;
C. To facilitate the transit of Renamo armed personnel which travel to the Accommodation Centers for the purposes of Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration;
...
E. To mobilise internal and external resources to facilitate the process of socio-economic Reintegration of armed elements of Renamo displaced under the Memorandum of Understanding on Military Affairs.
3.2. Responsibilities of Renamo
Renamo undertakes to respect all dispositions of the present Accord, namely:
...
B. Not to acquire, upgrade or distribute weapons, ammunition or any other war material;
C. To refrain from creating or occupying new positions in the national territory or committing offensive acts;
D. Not to recruit, whether voluntarily or by force, or mobilise personnel of any gender or age for its armed contingent;
...
F. To refrain from blocking or creating checkpoints;
G. To complete the process of providing the Military Affairs Commission/Joint Technical Group for Disarmament, Demobilisation, and Reintegration (GTCDDR) with updated, trustworthy, and verifiable information regarding the number, location, organisation and composition of any remaining bases, including personnel, weapons
in storage/hides or in the possession of its personnel, explosive devices, mines and other war artefacts, within 10 days of the entry into force of this Accord;
H. To collaborate with the Military Affairs Commission in the pursuit of disarmament and demobilisation of personnel and deactivation of artefacts that eventually have not been completed within the period stipulated in the revised calendar of the memorandum;
I. To notify the other party, at least 5 days in advance, of the passage of its armed elements to the Accommodation Centres within the scope of the DDR;
J. To collaborate with GTCDDR, supported by the International Community, in the conclusion of DDR within the deadlines stipulated in the calendar of the Memorandum of Understanding on Military Affairs;
K. To facilitate the process of dismantling bases and clearing landmines or undetonated explosive devices;
L. To facilitate the delivery of the list of its personnel to be subject to socio-economic reintegration, within a period of 10 days.
4. Implementation Structures of the Accord on Cessation of Military Hostilities
...
the Joint Technical Group on Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (GTCDDR);
the Joint Monitoring and Verification Team;
or by any other structure agreed upon by the Parties.
...
5. Dismantling of the Bases and Positions Related to the Military Hostilities
The dismantling of the bases and positions related to the military hostilities must be made in compliance with the provisions of the Memorandum of Understanding on Military Affairs and concluded by 21 August of the current year.
Intelligence services: No specific mention.
Parastatal/rebel and opposition group forces: Preamble
...
Aware of the consensus achieved on the agenda regarding the military affairs, which led to the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding that establishes the process of Disarmament, Demobilisation, and Socioeconomic Reintegration (DDR) of the Renamo armed force as well as the incorporation of part thereof in the Mozambique Armed Defence Forces and in the Police of the Republic of Mozambique;
Withdrawal of foreign forces: No specific mention.
Corruption: No specific mention.
Crime/organised crime: No specific mention.
Drugs: No specific mention.
Terrorism: No specific mention.

Transitional justice

Transitional justice general: No specific mention.
Amnesty/pardon: No specific mention.
Courts: No specific mention.
Mechanism: No specific mention.
Prisoner release: No specific mention.
Vetting: No specific mention.
Victims: No specific mention.
Missing persons: No specific mention.
Reparations: No specific mention.
Reconciliation: No specific mention.

Implementation

UN signatory: No specific mention.
Other international signatory: No specific mention.
Referendum for agreement: No specific mention.
International mission/force/similar: No specific mention.
Enforcement mechanism: No specific mention.
Related cases: No specific mention.
Source: No specific mention.

AGREEMENT ON THE DEFINITIVE CESSATION OF MILITARY HOSTILITIES

Preamble

His Excellency Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, President of the Republic of Mozambique, and His Excellency Ossufo Momade, President of Renamo, here onwards referred to as “The Parties”;

Committed to a future of peace and reconciliation in Mozambique;

Determined to end the military hostilities and prevent their resumption;

Committed to giving primacy to permanent dialogue as a means of conflict resolution;

In recognition that peace and national reconciliation are pre-conditions for socio-economic development;

Aware of the consensus achieved on the agenda regarding the military affairs, which led to the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding that establishes the process of Disarmament, Demobilisation, and Socioeconomic Reintegration (DDR) of the Renamo armed force as well as the incorporation of part thereof in the Mozambique Armed Defence Forces and in the Police of the Republic of Mozambique;

Guided by the principles of the Democratic State under the Rule of Law and by the respect for Human Rights, the Parties hereby agree in the following terms:

1. Definitive Cessation of Military Hostilities

The Parties declare the definitive cessation of all military hostilities and commit themselves to ensure that all armed groups or institutions under their control scrupulously comply with all the provisions established herein.

2. Scope of Application

The present Accord is applicable in all national territory.

3. Responsibilities of Parties

The parties undertake:

A. To refrain from hostile acts or military attacks against forces, positions or properties of the other Party and of civilian population in general;

B. Not to harass or take hostage members of the other party who are authorised to bear arms;

C. Not to harass or take hostage members of the forces of defence and security carrying

out missions of security or protection of the civilian population;

D. To refrain from placing land/water mines or employing firearms, incendiary devices

and preventing their removal, deactivation or dismantling;

E. To refrain from using hostile propaganda, including issuing defamatory statements, untruths or derogatory language against the other Party;

F. Not to practise violent acts of any nature against members of either Party;

G. To refrain from practices of torture or or degrading treatment of members of either Party;

H. Not to practise acts of violence and intimidation in the pursuit of political objectives.

3.1. Responsibilities of the Government

The Government undertakes to respect all dispositions of the present Accord, namely:

A. To refrain from assuming threatening positions or surrounding Renamo bases which are known by the Military Affairs Commission/GTCDDR during the process of their dismantling under the Memorandum of Understanding on Military Affairs;

B. To notify, within a minimum period of 5 days, of its approach within a radius of 2 km of a Renamo base known by the Military Affairs Commission/GTCDDR, prior to its dismantling;

C. To facilitate the transit of Renamo armed personnel which travel to the Accommodation Centers for the purposes of Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration;

D. To facilitate the free return of people possibly displaced by military hostilities;

E. To mobilise internal and external resources to facilitate the process of socio-economic Reintegration of armed elements of Renamo displaced under the Memorandum of Understanding on Military Affairs.

3.2. Responsibilities of Renamo

Renamo undertakes to respect all dispositions of the present Accord, namely:

A. To refrain from violent acts of armed attacks against civilian population and its properties, as well as positions of the Forces of Defence and Security;

B. Not to acquire, upgrade or distribute weapons, ammunition or any other war material;

C. To refrain from creating or occupying new positions in the national territory or committing offensive acts;

D. Not to recruit, whether voluntarily or by force, or mobilise personnel of any gender or age for its armed contingent;

E. To facilitate the free transit of people and goods and to refrain from obstructing this right of citizens;

F. To refrain from blocking or creating checkpoints;

G. To complete the process of providing the Military Affairs Commission/Joint Technical Group for Disarmament, Demobilisation, and Reintegration (GTCDDR) with updated, trustworthy, and verifiable information regarding the number, location, organisation and composition of any remaining bases, including personnel, weapons

in storage/hides or in the possession of its personnel, explosive devices, mines and other war artefacts, within 10 days of the entry into force of this Accord;

H. To collaborate with the Military Affairs Commission in the pursuit of disarmament and demobilisation of personnel and deactivation of artefacts that eventually have not been completed within the period stipulated in the revised calendar of the memorandum;

I. To notify the other party, at least 5 days in advance, of the passage of its armed elements to the Accommodation Centres within the scope of the DDR;

J. To collaborate with GTCDDR, supported by the International Community, in the conclusion of DDR within the deadlines stipulated in the calendar of the Memorandum of Understanding on Military Affairs;

K. To facilitate the process of dismantling bases and clearing landmines or undetonated explosive devices;

L. To facilitate the delivery of the list of its personnel to be subject to socio-economic reintegration, within a period of 10 days.

4. Implementation Structures of the Accord on Cessation of Military Hostilities

A. The implementation of this Accord is done by the structures created under the Memorandum of Understanding on Military Affairs, signed by the President of the Republic and by the President of Renamo, on 6 August 2018, namely the Military Affairs Commission (CAM);

the Joint Technical Group on Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (GTCDDR);

the Joint Monitoring and Verification Team;

or by any other structure agreed upon by the Parties.

B. The functions of these structures are defined in the Memorandum of Understanding on Military Affairs as well as on the approved Terms of Reference, which may be updated by consensus of the Parties.

5. Dismantling of the Bases and Positions Related to the Military Hostilities

The dismantling of the bases and positions related to the military hostilities must be made in compliance with the provisions of the Memorandum of Understanding on Military Affairs and concluded by 21 August of the current year.

6. Protection Force of the President of Renamo

A. The security of the President, of other Senior Leaders, and of the facilities of Renamo is ensured by a contingent of the Police of the Republic of Mozambique, responsible for the protection of Relevant Individuals and constituted from elements selected under the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding on Military Affairs.

B. The quartering, as well as the respective logistical assurance, is the responsibility of the Police of the Republic of Mozambique.

7. Conflict Resolution

The parties undertake to give primacy to dialogue in the resolution of queries or conflicts resulting from the interpretation or implementation of the present Agreement.

8. Annexes

The Annexes to the present Agreement, which are an integral part thereof, include the following documents:

i. Memorandum of Understanding on Military Affairs, signed by the President of the Republic and by the President of Renamo on 6 August 2018;

ii. Homologated Terms of Reference.