South Africa and the SADC are poised to assist Mozambique amid ongoing political turmoil following disputed election results. Opposition candidate Venancio Mondlane, who has returned from exile, claims he is the rightful president. The tensions have sparked protests and calls for peace from regional leaders, including Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
On Thursday, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that both South Africa and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) stand ready to assist Mozambique in overcoming its ongoing political turmoil. “We are watching very closely what is happening in Mozambique,” Ramaphosa stated during a press briefing in Cape Town, underscoring the close ties between the two nations.
The situation in Mozambique has intensified since protests erupted on October 21, when the opposition expressed dissatisfaction with the presidential election results favoring Daniel Chapo of the ruling Frelimo party, who secured 71% of the vote against Venancio Mondlane’s 20%. In an act of defiance, Mondlane returned from self-imposed exile, asserting himself as the “president elected by the people” rather than one recognized by the Constitutional Council.
President Ramaphosa expressed hopes for a peaceful inauguration of Chapo, while not confirming his attendance. The SADC chairperson, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has called for an immediate cessation of violence in Mozambique, where nearly 300 individuals have reportedly died amid the unrest. Amid escalating tensions, non-profit organizations in Mozambique have appealed for international intervention, prompting Ramaphosa to dispatch special envoy Sydney Mufamadi last month to engage with Mozambican officials regarding the escalating violence that poses a threat to regional stability.
The political landscape in Mozambique has been increasingly volatile following the presidential elections held on October 9, 2023. The ruling Frelimo party’s victory has led to widespread protests by the opposition, who cite electoral irregularities and contest the legitimacy of the election results. Consequently, the unrest prompted regional attention from SADC, a bloc aimed at fostering economic development and political stability in Southern Africa. The political crisis in Mozambique not only threatens national stability but also impacts neighboring countries due to their interlinked economies and shared interests.
In conclusion, South Africa, alongside the SADC, is prepared to provide necessary support to assist Mozambique in its current political crisis. The return of opposition candidate Venancio Mondlane and the ongoing protests highlight the urgency of addressing electoral grievances. As regional leaders advocate for an end to hostilities, the international community watches closely, emphasizing the importance of peace and stability in Mozambique for the broader Southern African region.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
