Post-electoral: SADC calls for restraint and “peaceful” dialogue

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Post-electoral: SADC calls for restraint and “peaceful” dialogue

9:19 CAT | 02 Jan 2025

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File photo: AIM

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) yesterday urged restraint in response to post-election protests in Mozambique, advocating for “peaceful and constructive” dialogue as a solution.

“SADC calls on all parties to exercise restraint and refrain from actions that escalate violence and unrest,” reads a statement from SADC signed by Samia Hassan, President of Tanzania and current Chair of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation.

The appeal comes amid the post-election crisis in Mozambique, ongoing since October, marked by protests and shutdowns that have led to clashes between police and demonstrators. According to civil society organisations monitoring the situation, nearly 300 people have died.

SADC expressed its willingness to assist Mozambique through “appropriate mechanisms” for dialogue, stressing the need for an “immediate cessation of all hostilities.”

“SADC emphasises that all parties should embrace peaceful and constructive dialogue as the preferred path to resolving grievances,” the document states.

On 23 December, the Constitutional Council (CC) declared Daniel Chapo the winner of the presidential election with 65.17% of the vote, succeeding Filipe Nyusi. The announcement also confirmed the victory of FRELIMO, which retained its parliamentary majority in the 9 October general elections.

This announcement sparked renewed chaos across the country, with supporters of Venâncio Mondlane—who secured 24% of the vote according to the CC—taking to the streets, erecting barricades, looting, and clashing with police. Security forces have responded with gunfire to disperse crowds.

At least 175 people were killed in the last week of protests, bringing the death toll to 277 since 21 October, with 586 people shot, according to the latest report from the electoral platform Decide, which has been monitoring the process.

Source: Lusa