South Africa and SADC Offer Support to Resolve Mozambique’s Political Crisis
South Africa and the SADC are prepared to assist Mozambique amid ongoing political crises following disputed elections. The opposition claims President Daniel Chapo’s victory is illegitimate, leading to protests and violence. Opposition leader Venancio Mondlane has returned from exile, declaring himself Mozambique’s rightful president. Regional leaders call for dialogue and an end to hostilities to restore stability in the country.
South Africa, along with the Southern African Development Community (SADC), has expressed its readiness to assist Mozambique as it navigates a complex political crisis. President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized the close relationship between South Africa and Mozambique, underscoring both nations’ commitment to regional stability. The political unrest stems from a disputed election on October 9, where the ruling Frelimo party’s candidate Daniel Chapo was declared the victor, receiving 71% of the votes against opposition candidate Venancio Mondlane, who garnered only 20%. Amid escalating tensions, Mondlane, who had previously been in exile, returned to Mozambique, asserting himself as the “president elected by the people” and rejecting the election results validated by the Constitutional Council.
Recent protests in Mozambique, which began on October 21, have resulted in nearly 300 fatalities as the opposition contests the legitimacy of the recent electoral outcome. The current chairperson of SADC, President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania, has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, highlighting the urgent need for dialogue and resolution. While Ramaphosa has indicated hope for a peaceful inauguration of Chapo, he has yet to confirm his attendance at the event. In a proactive measure, Ramaphosa dispatched Special Envoy Sydney Mufamadi to Mozambique to address the escalating violence and foster conversations regarding stability in the region. Non-profit organizations in Mozambique have reached out to Ramaphosa for intervention, though an official response has yet to be issued.
Mozambique has been experiencing significant political turmoil following disputed elections, which have led to widespread protests and continued violence. The tension primarily revolves around the opposition’s rejection of the electoral outcomes, claiming the elections were not conducted fairly. The country’s president, Daniel Chapo of the ruling Frelimo party, faces accusations from the opposition regarding his legitimacy, intensifying the political crisis. The involvement of regional bodies like SADC and neighboring countries underscores the regional implications of Mozambique’s unrest.
In summary, the political crisis in Mozambique is marked by significant opposition to the recent election results, leading to violence and instability. South Africa, alongside the SADC, has expressed a commitment to assist Mozambique in finding resolution and maintaining peace. The return of Venancio Mondlane into the political fray signals a critical moment in the country’s ongoing conflict, while regional leaders advocate for dialogue and a halt to the violence. The actions of regional partners will be crucial in shaping Mozambique’s immediate political future.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
