From Mozambique, CEOAFRICA.com gathered that the government troop launched attack on the base of Renamo movement leader, Alfonso Dhlakama, forcing him to flee his base.

This attack, according to sources, definitely ended the 20-year peace deal between the government and the Renamo movement.

About a million people were killed in the civil war that raged in Mozambique after it achieved independence from Portugal in 1975.

Speaking about the attack, Renamo spokesperson Fernando Mazanga told newsmen that the soldiers bombarded the Sathunjira base with heavy weapons before occupying it late yesterday night.

He went on to say that the attack signaled an end to peace in Mozambique:

"Peace is over in the country... The responsibility lies with the Frelimo government because they didn't want to listen to Renamo's grievances.

This irresponsible attitude of the commander-in-chief of the defence and security forces puts an end to the Rome peace deal,” he said.

He went further to say that the attack was aimed at assassinating Mr Dhlakama but he had managed to escape to an undisclosed location, Mr Mazanga said.

In a statement, Renamo blamed President Armando Guebuza for the attack.

"This irresponsible attitude of the commander-in-chief of the defence and security forces puts an end to the Rome peace deal," it said.

Defence ministry spokesman Cristovao Chume said government forces had taken control of the base in response to an earlier attack on an army post by Renamo fighters. He confirmed that Mr Dhlakama had fled.