SADC Regional Bloc Offers Support Amid Mozambique’s Crisis

Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa announced that the SADC is prepared to assist Mozambique following violent protests resulting in over 100 deaths. Calls for urgent dialogue have emerged from regional leaders and organizations to mitigate the crisis and promote healing.

Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa, currently chairing the Southern African Development Community (SADC), has expressed the bloc’s readiness to aid Mozambique amid escalating post-election violence that has resulted in the deaths of over 100 individuals, as reported by human rights organizations. The unrest follows the recent elections, in which the ruling Frelimo party was declared the victor by the Constitutional Council, a decision contested by the opposition.

In response to the crisis, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations, Ronald Lomola, emphasized the necessity for immediate dialogue among all political factions to heal the wounds of the country and shift towards a constructive political path. Lomola stated, “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.”

Additionally, Venancio Mondlane, who was the opposition’s presidential candidate, stressed the need to prioritize solidarity against oppression, highlighting the importance of coming together to support one another during this tumultuous period. Khanyo Farise, Deputy Regional Director at Amnesty International, condemned the Mozambican government for what she described as a severe crackdown on protesters, citing excessive police force and numerous fatalities experienced since the elections.

Borges Nhamirre, a researcher at the Institute for Security Studies, underlined that peace is essential for reopening Mozambique’s ports, which provide critical services to nations such as Zimbabwe, Zambia, and others. He underscored that the absence of dialogue will perpetuate hardship for the Mozambican populace and stressed that dialogue is the only viable solution to the ongoing crisis.

The situation in Mozambique has escalated following disputed elections held on October 9, where allegations of electoral fraud have led to significant civil unrest. The ruling party, Frelimo, has faced fierce opposition from various factions, resulting in violent protests. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) and other regional actors, including South Africa, find themselves involved, aiming to restore peace and promote dialogue. The international community is alerted to the human rights violations occurring, which adds urgency to the calls for resolution through negotiations.

In light of the ongoing violence in Mozambique, regional leaders, alongside human rights organizations, are advocating for immediate dialogue to address the situation. The involvement of SADC and South Africa highlights a collective commitment to restoring peace and ensuring stability in the region. The push for dialogue represents a crucial step towards uniting various factions and fostering a more constructive political environment in Mozambique.

Original Source: www.voanews.com