Amid calls from opposition factions for the downfall of former liberation movements, SADC’s revolutionary parties are facing growing criticism from groups who accuse them of hindering progress and facilitating “toxic” power dynamics. Recently, activist Namatai Kwekweza expressed discontent over a congratulatory message from South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to FRELIMO’s Daniel Chapo for his victory in Mozambique, calling it a sign that “revolutionary parties must fall.”
Opposition voices have celebrated recent shifts, such as the ousting of the BDP in Botswana and Patriotic Front in Zambia, while refusing to accept the liberation party victories in Zimbabwe and Mozambique. They label these as setbacks to democracy, underscoring a desire to oust liberation parties across SADC.
However, regional liberation parties argue this opposition movement is part of a larger neo-imperial strategy aimed at undoing SADC’s independence gains. The upcoming SADC Extra-Ordinary Summit in Harare (Nov. 16-20) is anticipated to address issues such as rising violence in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado, where opposition groups contesting FRELIMO’s governance have reportedly incited unrest. SADC’s intervention aims to preserve stability against what it views as Western-backed destabilization.
Liberation movements assert their enduring presence, championing the legacy of independence and pledging to defend regional democracy against external interference. Aluta continua!
