Zimbabwe has warned the Mozambican opposition group Renamo against going to war with that country’s ruling Frelimo movement, hinting Robert Mugabe's government might intervene.

 

In an interview with the BBC, Zimbabwean Deputy Foreign Minister Christopher Mutsvangwa said his government would not accept a return to civil war in Mozambique. The nation’s 17-year-long civil war, which resulted in approximately 1 million deaths, ended in 1992.

 

On Monday, Renamo announced its withdrawal from the Mozambican peace accord after government forces captured a base where the organization’s longtime leader Afonso Dhlakama was staying and forced him to flee. Rebel fighters responded by opening fire on a police station.

 

Mutsvangwa told the BBC Mozambique’s neighbors “will not countenance” a return to war, and hinted that President Robert Mugabe’s regime might intervene if the situation in neighboring Mozambique deteriorated precipitously.

 

"It will be misguided for Renamo to bring instability and expect Zimbabwe to watch," Mutsvangwa said.

 

Washington has said it "profoundly deplores" the resumption of violence in Mozambique and urged both sides to take "decisive steps” to calm the situation, the Mail and Guardian reported.

 

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