“As a donor and representative of the Common Donor Fund in the peace process, Canada has contributed over C$4.5 million to support disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and reconciliation efforts” in Mozambique, said Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Mélanie Joly, and International Development, Harjit S. Sajjan of Canada, in a joint statement sent to the media.

The leaders commended Mozambique for completing the disarmament and demobilization of the armed wing of the Mozambican National Resistance (Renamo), the main opposition party, which took place on the 15th in Vunduzi, Gorongosa district, in the province power station in Sofala, more than 30 years after the end of the Mozambican civil war.

For Canada, the completion of the process represents “a clear commitment” by the Mozambican government and Renamo to protect and promote “lasting peace for future generations” in the country.

Canada also praised the United Nations for their “dedication” in the process, ensuring that the parties involved honor the agreements.

“We are proud to have supported the peace agreement since its inception and commend the United Nations Peace Process Secretariat for its dedication,” the officials stressed.

The Canadian government has also expressed interest in continuing to support Mozambique in its “ongoing efforts to build prosperous, inclusive and peaceful communities.”

Under the DDR, 5,221 Renamo guerrillas returned home.

Then comes the reintegration phase, which includes the start of the payment of pensions to demobilized soldiers.

The closure of the last Renamo base is part of the Peace and National Reconciliation Agreement signed between the Government and Renamo in August 2019, the third signed between the parties, the first two having been violated and culminating in armed clashes, following the contestation of the election results by the main opposition party.