Two ex-Rebels Killed in Clash with Mozambique Soldiers

Mozambique government forces on Thursday killed two fighters from rebel group Renamo in clashes on the first anniversary of their leader's return to the bush, the president's office said.

"Security forces were going about their normal work when they were surprised by a Renamo attack," presidential spokesman Edson Macuacua said late Thursday.

"On Renamo's side there were two guerrillas killed. On our side there were no fatalities," he said in a statement, adding that weapons were also seized.

The attack took place fewer than 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the central Mozambique headquarters of Renamo's leader, Afonso Dhlakama, where the former civil war chief had called a commemoration to mark his return to the bush camp.

Dhlakama said his forces had been ambushed, according to independent television STV which traveled to the celebrations.

Government forces had surrounded the Renamo base where the attack happened, maintaining a "strong military presence", STV reported, adding that six troops were also injured.

Renamo became the official opposition after it signed a peace deal with the Frelimo-led government to end a 16-year civil war in 1992. But in April this year simmering tensions erupted in deadly clashes again.

The movement wants more representation on election bodies and in the armed forces.

Several rounds of new peace talks have broken down, but President Armando Guebuza remained open to meet face-to-face with Dhlakama despite Thursday's attacks, his office said.

Renamo last week again threatened to disrupt municipal elections scheduled for November 20 unless the government agreed to its demands.

The country's parliament called on the opposition party to propose the changes formally, but Renamo has repeatedly refused, arguing that the majority Frelimo party would vote the proposals down.