Muchanga became an outspoken dissident, demanding the resignation of Renamo leader Ossufo Momade. The party leadership raised objections and on 10 February the Renamo Jurisdictional Council suspended him from Renamo membership for an indefinite period.

Muchanga took the case to court and on Tuesday won the case. Judge Hélio Canjale, of the City Court, handed down a decision in favor of Muchanga, suspending the decision of the Jurisdictional Council.

The judge said Muchanga can continue to represent Renamo, act on behalf of the party and use Renamo symbols. The judge also restored Muchanga’s right to run for elected office within the party and to mobilize Renamo members.

The Jurisdictional Council’s sanction against Muchanga violated the principles of legality, the judge said, because Muchanga was not given the opportunity to defend himself.

No previous disciplinary proceedings were brought against him and the Jurisdictional Council, under Renamo’s statutes, did not have the power to suspend him from the party.

Muchanga welcomed the court’s decision. Quoted by the independent television station “TV Sucesso”, he said that not only Momade, but also the Jurisdictional Council should be removed from office.

He believed that the Renamo National Council might also have to be dismissed “since it is clear that Renamo is being poorly led. It is being run by people who are incompetent or who hold grudges, and who are only prepared to destroy”.

Muchanga added that Renamo “should understand that it cannot be led by imbeciles and should, instead, choose its best cadres”.

Renamo was once the country’s main opposition party, but has now been clearly overtaken by the National Alliance for a Free and Autonomous Mozambique (Anamola), led by former presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane.
(AIM)
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