Mozambique opposition forms anti-Frelimo coalition

An opposition leader in Mozambique says three of the smaller parties have formed a coalition in the run-up to local government elections in May, and are holding talks on entering an alliance with the main opposition party, Renamo.

Lutero Simango, the leader of the National Convention Party, told the BBC he had spoken to the Renamo leader, Afonso Dhlakama, about fielding single opposition candidates in local elections.

He said Mr Dhlakama and other Renamo leaders had been very positive about the suggestion.

There's been no word from Renamo.

Mr Simango said the long-term goal was to provide voters with a real alternative to the Frelimo government in time for the general election in 1999.

Mr Simango said his party had joined forces with the Mozambique United Front, known as Fumo, and the Mozambique National Party, or Monamo.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service