The enemy in the central theatre is the self proclaimed "Renamo Military Junta", which rejects the peace agreement signed last year by President Filipe Nyusi and Renamo leader Ossufo Momade, and which has carried out a string of murderous ambushes on the main roads in Manica and Sofala provinces.

The other four officials sworn in, are the director of Neto's office, Lt-Col Alberto Magudo, the director of the communications department in the general staff of the armed forces, Commodore Anibal Rafael Chefe, the delegate of the Nampula Provincal Recritment and Mobilisation Centre, Lt-Col Cipriano Pio, and the Commander of the Chokwe Productive Unit of the Civic Service, Lt-Col Gil Ganhane.

Maciacona was an officer from the ranks of the former rebel movement Renamo, and his appointment, in January 2019, was part of the agreements between the government and Renamo.

Chefe is also a former Renamo officer, and Neto told reporters his appointment is part of the process of the demobilisation, disarming and reintegration (DDR) of Renamo's armed force, a proces regarded as crucial for achieving a lasting peace in Mozambique.

Chefe's appointment is the first public act in the contaxt of DDR since August last year.