By Johnathan Paoli
Political and security turmoil in Mozambique continues to increase, following the Constitutional Council’s validation of the October presidential election results, which declared the ruling Frelimo party victorious.
Mozambique’s main opposition leader, Venancio Mondlane, has called for continued protests on Monday, but urged his supporters to avoid looting and damaging infrastructure.
The crisis threatens to destabilise the broader southern African region, prompting calls for greater regional and international intervention.
The Pan-African Parliament’s Southern Caucus has called for calm and solidarity in resolving the conflict.
It has also expressed deep sorrow over the lives lost in post-election violence and the turmoil that has engulfed the nation following the confirmation of the October 9 presidential election results.
It described this moment as a critical challenge to Mozambique’s progress and the aspirations of its people.
The caucus emphasised the need for unity and dialogue, urging Mozambicans to reject violence and pursue peaceful resolution through inclusive and transparent mediation.
Recognising the resilience of Mozambique’s citizens, the caucus called on all political parties, civil society and stakeholders to rise above partisanship and prioritise national unity.
“It is only through genuine and constructive dialogue that Mozambique can pave the way for solutions that reflect the collective will of its citizens,” it said in a statement.
It condemned the violence unequivocally and highlighted the importance of impartial mediators to guide Mozambique toward reconciliation and stability.
The caucus called on the Southern African Development Community and the African Union to intensify efforts to stabilise Mozambique.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has dispatched his envoy, Sydney Mufamadi, to the country as part of efforts to mediate the crisis.
Mufamadi has emphasised South Africa’s commitment to supporting Mozambique through this turbulent period, although details of his meetings remain undisclosed.
Violent protests have disrupted daily life in the capital, Maputo, with businesses closing and security patrols deployed in response to deadly incidents, including a prison riot on Christmas Day that left 33 people dead and enabled over 1500 inmates to escape.
Malawian authorities reported that 2182 Mozambican households had crossed into Malawi’s Nsanje district, seeking refuge from the violence.
The unrest has also impacted Mozambique’s economic activities, particularly in the mining and energy sectors.
Gemfields Group temporarily halted operations at its ruby mine following violent attacks near the site when over 200 people attempted to access employee residences and set fire to structures. South32 and Sasol are also facing disruptions.
The unrest has claimed over 250 lives since late October, including at least 125 deaths following the court’s decision last week, which saw Mondlane winning 20% of the presidential vote compared to 71% for Daniel Chapo, the Frelimo candidate.
Frelimo, which has governed Mozambique since its independence in 1975, denies the opposition’s allegations of electoral fraud.
However, international observers have criticised the election, declaring it neither free nor fair.
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