MAPUTO, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) -- The Mozambican government and the main opposition party, Renamo, signed on Tuesday in Maputo, the "definitive" peace agreement, in the presence of thousands of people.
The peace agreement was signed by President Filipe Nyusi and Renamo leader Ossufo Momade at 'Peace Square', in the presence of heads of state of the African Union (AU) countries, diplomatic corps, technical contact group and political parties.
President Nyusi said the peace agreement will establish harmony on a firmer base and ensure a future of hope for all Mozambicans.
"Effective peace involves the elimination of factors that fuel conflict in the organization of the state that satisfies everyone and the promotion of a better life," Nyusi said.
The president added that building a lasting peace requires the rule of law and the need for the citizens, political parties and forces of society to carry out their activities without resorting to violence.
"The process of implementing the peace agreement has left the lesson that the socio-economic reintegration of former combatants is a key aspect," he said.
Our genuine spirit of reconciliation is to anchor our march towards ultimate peace, progress and well-being on a more solid foundation, Nyusi said.
The deal signed on Tuesday was initiated by the late Renamo leader Afonso Dhlakama, former country presidents Joaquim Chissano and Armando Guebuza, but there was a discontinuity, Nyusi admitted.
"This agreement proves that we no longer want war between us. We may disagree, but we will use dialogue to settle our differences," said the President.
According to President Nyusi, election results should never compromise peace in Mozambique.
The government is committed to the fulfillment of all understandings, Nyusi said, for peace to be achieved for the good of all.
Speaking after the peace agreement was signed, Renamo leader Ossufo Momade said it was a memorable day.
"This agreement means that in times of conflict, we can find in dialogue the solution to our differences," said Momade.
With this definitive peace agreement, we have sealed our commitment to peace and national reconciliation, Momade said.
Ossufo Momade said the peace agreement must signify the beginning of an era of different thoughts and peaceful political activity.
"Alternating government through free, fair and transparent elections should be the rule rather than the exception," he said, adding that this will allow development and eradicate poverty.
The peace deal must mean breaking down barriers and including everyone in the country's economic and social life, Momade said.
The final peace agreement was welcomed by leaders of the countries of the African Union.
The Chairperson of African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat said peace a agreement is vital for the whole continent.
"I urge both parts to commit themselves into implement the agreement in good faith for the benefit of all the Mozambicans," Mahamat said.
We look forward to monitoring and supporting the elections of October, as part of AU to provide technical support, he said.
Namibian President, Hage Geingob said the peace deal is one of the AU's efforts to end violence by the end of 2020.
Geingob said Mozambique has shown that silencing the guns is not mere rhetoric, but a commitment to implementing peace and a reintegration process.
"An era of everlasting peace has just begun in Mozambique," he said.
The Namibian President added that by signing the peace, the people of Mozambique has chosen to march forward development and prosperity.
The President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, said the renewal of national unity and cohesion is never a waste of time.
"This achievement matters to all of us in Africa, it shows that we can find solutions through our problems, no matter how difficult," said Kagame.
According to Kagame, dialogue and inclusion are not to be imposed from anywhere else and once consensus is reached, it should be revealed.
"Mozambicans have come together to turn the page, nothing should prevent this country from achievement even more in terms of development and well being for citizens," Kagame said.
Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa, said African countries are committed to silencing guns by 2020, and the present peace agreement is a concrete building block towards achieving the visionary aspiration of the continent.
"We are honored to see that peace agreement has been achieved", said Ramaphosa.
