Mozambique Rebel Leader Dies

Mozambique's guerilla rebel leader Afonso Dhlakama, is dead.

The 65 year old Renamo leader was reported to have passed away after a heart attack.

For 39 years, Dhlakama led Renamo, rebels had fought a 16-year war against the ruling Frelimo party until 1992.

He went into hiding since 2013 in the remote Gorongosa mountains,but recently met with President Filipe Nyusi to develop a peace process.

In December 2016, Dhlakama announced a truce with the government and sought greater decentralisation of power — and better integration of its supporters into the police and military

The reforms, currently under debate in parliament, will allow voters to directly elect provincial governors, who at present are appointed by the president.

Mozambique will hold presidential, legislative and provincial elections in October 2019, with observers saying Renamo has recently increased its public support.

Frelimo has ruled the country since independence from Portugal in 1975.