Mozambique: Opposition Leader Accuses Government Of Murder Plot 

In an interview with Deutsche Welle, Afonso Dhlakama, head of the Mozambican National Resistance (Renamo) and long-time rebel leader, accused Mozambique's government of plans to assassinate him. He also presented conditions for peace talks with the ruling party Frelimo.

Dhlakama has been under siege at the headquarters of his party in the Gorongosa Mountains, the 63-year-old said: "The soldiers are in Gorongosa because Frelimo decided to kill me and to sow confusion."

Dhlakama holds the government responsible for multiple attacks attempted against him last year: "They believe that Dhlakama's death will be the end of democracy in Mozambique, and the end of Renamo. Because Frelimo has never believed in democracy."

Nonetheless, he said he was ready to meet with President Filipe Nyusi if the army ends its siege of Renamo's headquarters. "There can be no serious negotiations in Maputo if Renamo's leader is besieged," Dhlakama said.

He proposed that the European Union, South Africa and the Mozambican Catholic Church serve as negotiators for the peace talks: "The government didn't want any foreigners mediating. But in any country of the world there would have to be mediation."

He repeated the demand to govern six provinces that the opposition says it won in 2014 presidential elections, before the ruling party manipulated the results. "We don't want to divide the country," he said, but added that "Renamo is not taking back this demand."

Dhlakama discounted the idea of a unity government with Frelimo, in which he would serve as vice president. "I don't see any way that either I or someone from Renamo could work together with Frelimo. It would kill off democracy in Mozambique, and even kill off Renamo."