Zimbabwe’s President Mnangagwa has stated that SADC is prepared to assist Mozambique amidst violent protests following disputed elections. Over 100 fatalities have been reported, and regional leaders are advocating for urgent dialogue to restore peace and stability in the country. Human rights groups condemn the use of excessive force against protesters, further complicating the situation.
In light of the recent post-election turmoil in Mozambique, Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa, currently the chair of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), expressed the bloc’s readiness to provide support. The unrest, which has reportedly resulted in over 100 deaths among protesters, stems from the opposition’s allegations that its electoral victory was unjustly seized during the October 9 elections. Mnangagwa emphasized the urgency to quell the violence, particularly following the Constitutional Council’s declaration of a 65% win for the ruling Frelimo party.
Additionally, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lomola, called for immediate dialogue among all parties involved. Lomola indicated that South Africa stands prepared to assist Mozambique in fostering this much-needed conversation to promote healing and a new developmental path.
Venancio Mondlane, a key political figure in the opposition, also commented on the situation, urging unity among citizens in defense of their communities rather than focusing solely on internal political strife. The deputy regional director of Amnesty International for East and Southern Africa, Khanyo Farise, condemned the government’s violent crackdown on protesters, asserting that the police have resorted to excessive force, including the use of live ammunition, leading to significant casualties.
Researcher Borges Nhamirre from the Institute for Security Studies reiterated the necessity of dialogue, stressing that peace must be restored in Mozambique for economic recovery and regional cooperation. The closed ports, vital for trade with neighboring countries, have exacerbated hardships for the local population. The collective call for peace from the opposition and regional organizations signals a potential turning point for Mozambique as it seeks stability amid unrest.
The current crisis in Mozambique follows a contentious electoral process where the ruling Frelimo party was declared the winner, leading to violent protests and accusations of electoral fraud from the opposition. The unrest has drawn significant concern from human rights organizations and regional bodies, highlighting issues of excessive force by law enforcement and the urgent need for dialogue to restore peace and order. The political instability also threatens economic activities, particularly in relation to trade with the Southern African region, underscoring the need for resolution.
The situation in Mozambique requires immediate attention as violence escalates in the wake of disputed elections. The SADC’s readiness to assist, alongside calls for dialogue from regional leaders, highlights a collective hope for restoring peace. With significant international concern over human rights abuses and political stability, Mozambique stands at a crossroads where dialogue and cooperation are essential for its future recovery and development.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
