The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has voiced deep concern over the post-election violence erupting in Mozambique after the Constitutional Council upheld the results of the country’s 9th October elections.
Her Excellency President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania and Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation, issued a statement expressing regret over the troubling situation in Mozambique following the 9th October elections.
The ruling party, FRELIMO’s candidate Daniel Chapo won the Presidency with 65% while his opposition nemesis Venâncio Mondlane received 24.19% of the vote.
Mozambicans cast their votes in a largely calm and peaceful environment. However, chaos erupted when opposition candidate Venâncio Mondlane called on his supporters to protest, alleging widespread election rigging.
Amid moderate protests, the opposition once again mobilized their supporters to reject the election results and stage demonstrations following the Constitutional Council’s confirmation of the outcomes on 23 December 2024. As Mozambique’s highest court, the Constitutional Council’s decisions are final and cannot be legally contested.
The SADC Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) monitored the elections and, in its preliminary report issued on 11th October, commended the process for its peaceful and calm conduct during and after the voting period, giving the elections a clean bill of health. However, the post-election violence that followed has tarnished what was otherwise a peaceful vote.
The chaos has disrupted cross-border activities and poses significant economic challenges to both Mozambique and the broader region.
SADC reaffirmed its commitment to assist in resolving the crisis by employing appropriate mechanisms to facilitate a peaceful and lasting resolution to the ongoing challenges.
SADC reaffirmed its commitment to assist in resolving the crisis by employing appropriate mechanisms to facilitate a peaceful and lasting resolution to the ongoing challenges.
All parties were urged to put an end to hostilities and embrace peace through constructive dialogue as a means to resolve their differences.
An election is a contest where the losing parties must graciously accept defeat to allow the country to move forward. The stagnation caused by the opposition’s refusal to accept the results is creating significant challenges, not only for Mozambique but for the entire region, as several member states depend on the country’s ports for the delivery of goods shipped from abroad.
Further delays in resolving the impasse risk triggering devastating economic challenges, from which the country may take a long time to recover.
Destruction of property is a retrogressive way of resolving disputes, as the nation will need to invest resources in rebuilding and retooling its infrastructure.
Mozambicans must take a cue from Namibia, which has moved forward following the victory of the ruling party SWAPO, with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, 72, securing 57 percent of the vote.
In Botswana, incumbent President Mokgweetsi Masisi also conceded defeat and peacefully handed over power to his opposition rival, President Duma Boko, ensuring a smooth transition.
The losing parties did not dispute the election results, allowing the country to move forward peacefully.
