Twelve Principles for Peace of the Mozambican Government
1. We are faced with an operation of destabilization which should not be confused with a struggle between two parties.
2. The operation has been mounted through brutal acts of terrorism which provoke immense suffering falling, above all, on the population and their property. Hundreds of thousands of people have already died. Many economic and social infrastructures in the country have been destroyed or paralysed, impeding the normal life of citizens and turning millions of people into displaced persons.
3. The aim is to put an end to this inhuman situation. the first action should be to stop all terrorist and bandit actions.
4. Afterwards, conditions should be created for all Mozambican citizens to lead normal lives in such a way that they can participate on the one hand in the political, economic, social and cultural life of the country, and on the other in the discussion and definition of the policies which will guide the country in each of these aspects (political, economic, social and cultural).
5. The policies are established by national consensus, formulated through a process of consultation and debate with the people or social groups involved. The principal law relating to land, health and education were approved after consultation with the people. The on-going revision of the constitution has been taking place through a debate which aims at introducing factors of democratic participation in the working of the State. Religious institutions are being consulted in the process of the preparation of legislation on religious liberties.
6. Dialogue will aim at clarifying these positions and giving guarantees of participation in it to all individuals, including those who until then had been involved in violent actions of destabilization.
7. This participation and enjoyment of rights applies immediately to the processes which are already underway regarding the affirmation of the principles defined in the Constitution in relation to: the protection of individual and collective liberties; the protection of human rights; the protection of democratic rights.
8. Individual and social liberties, such as freedom of worship, freedom of expression and freedom of assembly, are guaranteed. They should not be used against the general interests of the nation. They should not be used to destroy national unity, national independence and the integrity of persons and property. They should not be used to propagate tribalism, racism, regionalism or any form of divisionism or sectarianism. They should not be used for the preparation of acts punishable by law, such as robbery, assassination or aggression. They cannot be used for the preparation or perpetration of violent acts against the State and the Constitution, such as secessionist movements or coups d'etat.
9. Policy or constitutional changes or revisions, or changes or revisions to the principal law of the country, where in many cases debate or consultation with citizens has already occurred or is in process, can be brought and should be brought about only through the ample participation of all citizens.
10. It is unacceptable for a group to use intimidation or violence to impose themselves on the whole society. It is anti-democratic to alter the constitution and principal laws of the country through the violence of a group.
11. The normalization of life and the integration of those until now involved in violent actions of destabilization implies, in a general way, their participation in economic and social life through suitable ways agreed by them, and guaranteed by the government.
12. The acceptance of these principles could lead to a dialogue about the modalities for ending violence, establishing peace and normalizing life for all in the country.
Taken from statement made by President Chissano in Maputo, on 17 July 1989; published by informaçaõ Publica.
Sixteen Point Declaration of the Mozambique National Resistance (Renamo)
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