By Akani Nkuna
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have urged the Mozambican government and its security forces to exercise maximum restraint and discipline in handling the ongoing protests.
“EFF calls for the Mozambican government and security forces to exercise maximum restraint and a high level of discipline in dealing with the protests,” said EFF national spokesperson, Leigh-Ann Mathys, on Thursday.
“Launching tear gas from helicopters, restricting internet access to silence dissent, and using live ammunition against unarmed citizens is a gross violation of human rights. Such actions only serve to escalate tensions and push Mozambique toward a devastating civil war.”
The unrest erupted after Mozambique’s Constitutional Council confirmed the governing party, Frelimo, as the winner of the disputed elections.
The unrest has resulted in over 20 deaths, including two police officers, more than 390 injuries, and the detention of over 800 individuals.
The Mozambican election results were announced on October 24, 2024, declaring Daniel Chapo of the FRELIMO party the winner with 71% of the vote.
However, the opposition, led by Venancio Mondlane of the PODEMOS party, disputed the outcome, claiming he secured 53% of the vote based on data from their poll observers.
South Africa, through its Department of International Relations and Cooperation, on Tuesday called on all parties involved in the Mozambican crisis to remain calm and exercise restraint.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting a lasting solution to the impasse, pledging to continue working closely with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and other multilateral agencies to achieve this goal.
“Following the proclamation final electoral results by the Constitutional Council of Mozambique, South Africa has noted with concern the ongoing violence and the subsequent disruptive protest in reaction to the announcement. South Africa calls on all parties to commit to an urgent dialogue that will heal the country and set it on a new political and developmental trajectory,” said Chrispin Phiri, international relations spokesperson.
Meanwhile, the EFF has blamed the crisis on the leniency of liberation movements toward corruption, accusing leaders of prioritising power over democratic principles and manipulating elections.
The party also criticised the Mozambican government for failing to address basic needs, citing declines in education, healthcare, and economic growth as key factors fueling widespread outrage. Additionally, the state’s violent suppression of protests has further heightened tensions.
“We further call on the people of Mozambique to refrain from vandalising critical infrastructure and assets,” Mathys said.
“These resources will be essential for rebuilding the nation after their legitimate demands for democracy and justice are realised. We urge protestors to remain united, disciplined, and peaceful to ensure their struggle is effective and does not harm their future.”
EFF has further called on the South African government to team up with the SADC and the African Union (AU) to take immediate action towards resolving the Mozambican crisis.
“South Africa’s readiness to assist Mozambique must translate into tangible efforts to hold the Mozambican government accountable while working toward an inclusive, long-term solution that priorities the democratic will of the people,” Mathys added.
“The EFF emphasises that any intervention must prioritise sustainable and lasting solutions, rooted in democratic processes and the will of the Mozambican people. Imposing external solutions risks alienating the population and exacerbating the crisis.”
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