The Southern African Development Community (SADC) faces a pressing challenge: the rise of post-election violence across the region, particularly fueled by opposition parties rejecting electoral outcomes. Recent events in Mozambique, following the October elections, serve as a grim reminder of the devastating consequences of such unrest. Over 30 lives have been lost, and millions in property damage have been reported, largely stemming from violent protests incited by opposition candidate Venancio Mondlane. As the region grapples with these challenges, SADC must take decisive action to prevent this dangerous trend from eroding democratic processes and regional stability.
One of SADC’s primary mandates is to ensure the conduct of free and fair elections while safeguarding peace and stability. However, the bloc’s response to post-election violence has been inconsistent, particularly when opposition parties are the instigators. Zimbabwe’s 2018 elections and Mozambique’s recent unrest highlight a disturbing pattern where opposition leaders, under the guise of resistance, resort to violence, jeopardizing the lives and livelihoods of innocent citizens. This cycle not only undermines the credibility of elections but also perpetuates instability in the region.
SADC’s condemnation of the Mozambique violence is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done. The bloc must adopt stringent measures to hold those responsible for inciting violence accountable. This includes imposing targeted sanctions on political leaders, activists, and organizations that fuel unrest. Journalists and NGOs that exacerbate tensions through inflammatory rhetoric or biased reporting should not be exempt from scrutiny.
The Zimbabwean experience offers a cautionary tale. Opposition figures from the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) and influential voices like journalist Hopewell Chin’ono have been celebrated internationally, despite their roles in fostering unrest following disputed elections. Such narratives, which often overlook the human cost of violence, embolden similar actions elsewhere. SADC must challenge this glorification of political ambition at the expense of human lives.
As SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi rightly emphasized, aggrieved parties must seek redress through lawful channels, such as the courts, rather than resorting to violent demonstrations. Upholding the rule of law is paramount to preserving democracy and ensuring that elections remain a legitimate means of expressing the will of the people.
While respecting the sovereignty of member states, SADC must also ensure that no political group is allowed to disrupt national stability. By taking a firm stance against post-election violence, the bloc can break the cycle of unrest that threatens the region’s progress. This requires clear and consistent condemnation of violence, regardless of the perpetrator, and a commitment to protecting the sanctity of human life above political ambitions.
SADC has a critical role to play in fostering a culture of accountability and peace. By addressing the root causes of post-election violence and holding instigators to account, the bloc can reinforce its commitment to democracy and regional stability. The time to act is now—before the cycle of violence becomes an entrenched feature of the region’s political landscape.
