The SADC convened a summit to discuss Mozambique’s post-election violence, where police reportedly killed over 30 protesters after the contested October 9 elections. President Nyusi attended the meeting, which also addressed the conflict in the DRC. Calls for legal resolutions and fair elections surfaced from opposition leaders, emphasizing transparency and accountability in the electoral process.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) convened an extraordinary summit of heads of state in Zimbabwe to address escalating post-election violence in Mozambique and the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Following Mozambique’s elections last month, reports from civil society indicate that police forces have allegedly killed at least 30 protesters, leading to growing unrest and allegations of electoral fraud against the ruling FRELIMO government. Notably, President Filipe Nyusi represented Mozambique at this summit, where SADC reaffirmed its commitment to work with Mozambique to promote peace and stability.
Elias Magosi, SADC’s executive secretary, expressed condolences to the people of Mozambique for the lives lost amid the violence while encouraging aggrieved parties to seek legal resolutions rather than resort to further violence. Meanwhile, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who presided over the summit, prioritized discussions on the DRC conflict, providing scant commentary on the situation in Mozambique during his closing remarks.
Albino Forquilha of the Optimist Party for the Development of Mozambique (PODEMOS) communicated dissatisfaction regarding the electoral results and the summit’s effectiveness. He emphasized the necessity for transparency in the electoral process and advocated for dialogue among political representatives to ensure fairness in future elections. Forquilha criticized the official results announced by the electoral commission, asserting discrepancies with the tally reported at polling stations, insisting on the constitutional court’s involvement for validation.
As protests against FRELIMO’s candidate, Daniel Chapo, intensify, President Nyusi’s recent invitation to all presidential candidates for dialogue marks an attempt to quell unrest and foster a more inclusive political environment following the contentious election.
The SADC summit was convened in the context of rising tensions in Mozambique after the elections on October 9, which have been marred by allegations of violence and electoral fraud. Civil society organizations reported significant casualties due to police actions against protesters. The FRELIMO party, which has been in power for several decades, faces opposition from various groups who demand fair electoral practices and accountability. The conflict in the DRC also remains a pressing concern for the regional body, illustrating broader political instability in Southern Africa.
The SADC summit highlights the urgent need for dialogue and resolution in response to the unrest in Mozambique following its disputed elections. While the SADC seeks to facilitate peace and security, opposition figures advocate for transparent electoral processes. As regional tensions manifest, addressing the political grievances and restoring public trust is paramount for Mozambique’s stability.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
