Mozambique’s president, Filipe Nyusi, is to participate in Wednesdays funeral ceremony of Afonso Dhlakama, the historical leader of the country’s main opposition party (Renamo), which is to be held in Beira, the organisers said today.
The event is being prepared by a commission composed of relatives, Renamo members and the government of Mozambique.
Parliament has postponed plenary debates between Tuesday and Thursday so MPs can attend the funeral, a source at the parliament told Lusa.
The body of the opposition leader is expected to leave the morgue at Beira Central Hospital at 8:00 a.m., to reach the Beira railway station 20 minutes later, where he will lie in state.
The public outdoor space has a capacity for about 15 thousand people, said Minister of Justice Isac Chande, who heads the organising commission.
The Assembly of the Republic postponed the debates in plenary today and Thursday so that the deputies can participate in the farewell to Dhlakama, a source of the parliament told Lusa.
According to the commission organising the event, Filipe Nyusi is expected from 10:00 at a ceremony that will last until 12:00 and which will be broadcast live on television in the territory of Mozambique.
The head of state should take the floor to close the speeches at a ceremony where several messages will be read to the opposition leader, including the family and Renamo.
The organisers said President Filipe Nyusi is expected to arrive at about 10:00 for a ceremony that is supposed to last about two hours and will be broadcast direct on TV in the country.
The remains of Afonso Dhlakama will follow afterwards to his homeland, Mangunde, where a wake will be held by the local community until the burial on Thursday at 2:00 p.m., with official honours decreed by the Government.
Afonso Dhlakama died last Thursday aged 65 in Serra da Gorongosa, following health complications.
Source: Lusa
