Parliament 21 Feb approved changes to election laws ahead of Oct 2014 polls in response to RENAMO demand and agreed further delay to voter registration demanded by RENAMO in effort to bring revived rebel movement back into political sphere. Security forces 21 Feb arrested 7 RENAMO gunmen in Inhambane province. Renamo 26 Feb ambushed military convoy in Gorongosa, leaving 5 injured.

Army 14 Jan exchanged fire with 12 RENAMO guerrillas following attacks in Mavume, Inhambane. RENAMO forces early Jan killed 6 riot police in Homoine district; 15 Jan killed 1, injured 5 in ambush on convoy in Sofala province. UN 16 Jan said RENAMO will likely face international ban should attacks continue. RENAMO 13 Jan boycotted new call for political dialogue, sticking to demands for presence of observers, facilitators and mediators. RENAMO leader Afonso Dhlakama 29 Jan said group will participate in presidential elections scheduled Oct 2014.

RENAMO gunmen 17 Dec attacked bus on main N-S highway, killing 1 and injuring 5. RENAMO 10 Dec reiterated demand for presence at dialogue table of national and foreign mediators, threatened not to take part in further meetings unless observers present; govt 21 Dec accepted presence of local observers. Ruling FRELIMO’s 160-member Central Committee 22-24 Dec met to choose successor to President Guebuza for Oct 2014 presidential polls, shortlisted 3 candidates, all 3 are from northern/central provinces, representing shift from traditional southerner dominance.

Ahead of 20 Nov municipal elections, almost 50 people injured during clashes between supporters of ruling party FRELIMO and opposition Mozambique Democratic Movement (MDM) 16 Nov. Preliminary results of 20 Nov vote suggest FRELIMO won landslide; RENAMO boycotted polls, arguing election laws need to be changed. Security forces 1 Nov captured 8 RENAMO gunmen in Rapale district, 10 Nov killed 1 RENAMO gunman in Canada, Nhamadzi administrative post. Number of RENAMO attacks reported during month: RENAMO gunmen 3 Nov attacked truck in Sofala province, 5 Nov wounded 5 in 2 attacks on convoy under military escort, 6 Nov killed 3 soldiers in Gorongosa district, 7 Nov attacked police post and adjacent health centre in Canada, 12 Nov attacked farm in Rapale district, 15 Nov killed 2 people in attack on convoy transiting main N-S highway.

RENAMO 21 Oct said it is abandoning 1992 peace accord with ruling FRELIMO party that ended country’s 15-year-long civil war, prompting fears of return to violence. RENAMO 18 Oct ambushed army in Sofala killing 7 soldiers; army retaliated, 21 Oct took over RENAMO Gorongosa base. U.S. 22 Oct urged parties to “move back from brink”, prevent escalation; 31 Oct condemned “reprehensible attacks” on civilians, expressed concern over escalating violence. RENAMO 26 Oct ambushed passenger minibus in central Sofala province, killing 1 and injuring 10. 29 Oct clash between army and RENAMO in Sofala resulted in deaths of 17 soldiers, 41 RENAMO rebels; 29 Oct RENAMO attack in Niassa province left 1 dead; reports of 12 kidnapped. President Guebuza 30 Oct said country “not going back to war”. Tens of thousands marched 31 Oct in Maputo, Beira, Quelimane to protest against threat of armed conflict and recent spate of kidnappings by criminal gangs.

Suspected RENAMO ex-rebels 21 June ambushed several vehicles on main north-south highway leaving at least 2 dead; FRELIMO supporters 22 June staged nationwide marches to protest against armed attacks. Police same day arrested top RENAMO general and information chief Jeronimo Malagueta; Malagueta 20 June said govt using vehicles to transport arms and soldiers dressedas civilians to Sathundjira, planned to kill RENAMO president Afonso Dhlakama. Negotiations between govt and RENAMO resumed 24 June; Dhlakama 30 June said willing to meet President Guebuza to reach agreement on crisis.

Month saw increased fears of return to civil strife and possible armed conflict as tensions between Mozambican National Resistance (RENAMO) and Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO)-led govt continued to escalate. RENAMO members 4 April attacked police command post in Muxungué town, Manica, just hours after police raided group’s office with tear gas and arrested 15 leaders; at least 5 dead, including RENAMO commander and police officer. Attacks on South African passenger bus and fuel tanker 6 April left 3 dead; RENAMO denied responsibility.

13 killed, 175 injured during 1-3 Sept riots against food, energy price increases. Government agreed to food, energy price reductions and govt spending cuts.

Violent clashes between supporters of ruling FRELIMO Party and former rebel movement RENAMO over disputed municipal elections erupted 4/5 September: 12 reportedly killed, 47 injured. Wave of detentions in northern town of Mocimboa da Praia following unrest.

Tension in run-up to 1-2 December presidential election; at least 10 killed. Opposition said government involved in plot to assassinate opposition leader. Parliament adopted new constitution 17 November.