HARARE – SADC Troika chairperson and Tanzania President Samia Suluhu Hassan has called for a peaceful resolution to Mozambique’s post-election instability that has seen the death of nearly 280 and further caused endless disruptions to business and normal life in the troubled country.
Mozambique has not seen peace since the October 9 poll which saw FRELIMO retain its stranglehold on power with its candidate Daniel Chapo declared winner with a 71 percent majority vote against his opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane’s 20.
The constitutional court revised the result last week, giving Chapo 65 percent and Mondlane 24.
The outcome has been vehemently disputed by the now exiled opposition leader who has called for continued protests in a country of over 34 million people.
Resultant protests have seen both civilians and some members of the security forces die in wild skirmishes that have rocked parts of the southern African country with little signs of abetting.
A 23 December court ruling confirming Chapo’s victory has fuelled more tensions in Mozambique.
Since the outbreak of violence, independent reports have put the death toll at 278 coupled with disruptions in cross-border trade and the free movement of people.
Mondlane on Tuesday called for more protests starting this Thursday.
In a statement, President Hassan, who chairs SADC’s Organ on Politics, Defence and Security, said the regional bloc was “deeply concerned by the continued loss of lives, injuries, destruction of private property and public infrastructure”.
She added, “The SADC calls upon all parties to exercise restraint and refrain from actions that escalate violence and unrest.
“It also reaffirms readiness to assist, through appropriate mechanisms, in facilitating a peaceful resolution to the existing challenges.
“We therefore appeal for an immediate cessation of all hostilities, while reiterating the importance of prioritizing the well-being and livelihoods of the Mozambican people.”
The Tanzanian leader urged dialogue in Mozambique to end the crisis.
“SADC stresses all parties to embrace peaceful and constructive dialogue as the preferred avenue to address grievances.
“Our collective aspiration remains the restoration of harmony and stability in Mozambique, in line with our shared vision of good governance, social cohesion, and sustainable development in the region,” she said.
