South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that South Africa and the SADC are prepared to support Mozambique amid its escalating political crisis following contested elections. Protests have erupted following the election of Daniel Chapo as president, with opposition leader Venancio Mondlane returning from exile to claim a mandate from the people. Regional leaders are calling for an end to hostilities as the situation unfolds.
On Thursday, South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that both South Africa and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) stand ready to support Mozambique as it navigates its ongoing political crisis. The remarks were made during a press conference in Cape Town, underscoring Mozambique’s proximity and significance as a trading partner. Ramaphosa emphasized the need for SADC’s intervention, as violent protests have erupted within Mozambique following disputed election results.
Since October 21, Mozambique has witnessed significant unrest, primarily stemming from the opposition’s challenge to the presidential election victory of Daniel Chapo from the ruling Frelimo party. Chapo was declared the winner of the October 9 elections with 71% of the vote, while opposition leader Venancio Mondlane received only 20%. Mondlane recently returned from exile, proclaiming himself as the “president elected by the people” and rejecting the official election results sanctioned by the Constitutional Council.
In a show of solidarity, Samia Suluhu Hassan, the president of Tanzania and chairperson of SADC, urged for the immediate cessation of hostilities in Mozambique, where nearly 300 lives have been lost due to the violent dissent from the opposition party. Ramaphosa expressed hopes for a peaceful inauguration of President-elect Chapo but stopped short of confirming his attendance. Additionally, he previously dispatched Sydney Mufamadi as a special envoy to address the escalating violence that poses a threat to regional stability. The situation has drawn the attention of non-profit organizations which have reached out to Ramaphosa, seeking his intervention in the crisis, although his office has not yet responded to their requests.
The ongoing political turmoil in Mozambique has escalated following the October 9 presidential election, in which the ruling Frelimo party’s candidate, Daniel Chapo, was announced the winner amidst widespread protests and accusations of electoral fraud by the opposition. The instability has led to violent confrontations, resulting in numerous casualties, and has prompted regional leaders to consider intervention. With Mozambique being a crucial member of the SADC and a close neighbor to South Africa, the latter’s involvement reflects broader concerns about regional stability and cooperation.
In summary, the political crisis in Mozambique continues to escalate as tensions rise following disputed election results. South Africa, alongside the SADC, has expressed readiness to provide assistance to Mozambique. With the return of opposition leader Venancio Mondlane from exile, the situation remains precarious. The international community, particularly regional leaders, is closely monitoring these developments to prevent further violence and unrest.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
