The Southern African Development Community (Sadc) will hold an extraordinary summit to address the escalating post-election crisis in Mozambique, where deadly protests have claimed at least 18 lives following allegations of electoral irregularities in the recent election won by the ruling Frelimo party. Defence Minister Cristovao Chume has threatened military intervention if unrest continues. The summit, scheduled for November 16-20 in Harare, will also discuss the implications for regional stability and economic concerns affecting neighboring countries.
The Southern African Development Community (Sadc) convenes an extraordinary summit aimed at addressing the escalating instability following the recent elections in Mozambique, marked by violent protests that have resulted in fatalities. Security forces have reportedly killed at least 18 individuals since demonstrations erupted in response to the controversial outcomes of the October 9 election, where the ruling Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (Frelimo) claimed victory amidst allegations of widespread electoral fraud from the opposition. Opposition leaders supported independent candidate Venancio Mondlane, who finished second to the ruling party’s candidate, Daniel Chapo, who is set to succeed President Filipe Nyusi. Criticism of the electoral process has been amplified by various rights organizations and international observers who highlighted significant irregularities. In light of ongoing unrest, Defence Minister Cristovao Chume issued a warning of potential military intervention if the protests persist. The Sadc summit, scheduled for November 16 to 20 in Harare, Zimbabwe, will address the crisis in Mozambique and consider the implications for regional stability, as neighboring landlocked countries depend on Mozambican ports for their trade activities. Information Minister Janfran Muswere confirmed the summit’s objectives, emphasizing its focus on the political events in the region, including Mozambique’s recent elections. The threat of instability in Mozambique is particularly concerning for countries such as Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, which could face significant economic disruptions due to the ongoing turmoil. Furthermore, the situation in Mozambique has prompted commentary from regional leaders regarding the need for a collaborative approach to ensure adherence to democratic norms and electoral integrity. Observers have remarked that the preliminary report from the Sadc observer mission, which seemingly endorsed the election processes despite opposition allegations, has drawn considerable disapproval from both the public and the opposition party. The credibility of the mission leader, former Zanzibar President Amani Abeid Karume, has also been questioned due to his controversial past concerning electoral challenges. As Sadc grapples with these issues, it has faced criticism in the past regarding its stance on electoral matters in member states, particularly following their endorsement of Zimbabwe’s recent elections, which were similarly marked by concerns over fairness. The upcoming elections in Namibia on November 27 will also be under scrutiny, with the ruling Swapo party working to retain its long-standing grip on power amid heightened political tensions in the region.
The article discusses the ongoing post-election crisis in Mozambique following the October 9 elections, where the ruling party potentially engaged in electoral malpractices. The internal strife, inflamed by public protests and retaliatory violence from security forces, threatens regional stability and economic interests. Previous elections in member states have shown discrepancies, raising apprehensions regarding Sadc’s commitment to upholding democratic norms. This summit aims to provide a platform for addressing these crises and ensuring collaborative responses among member states.
In summary, the extraordinary Sadc summit signals urgent regional attention to the crisis in Mozambique following a contentious election and ensuing protests. The reported use of lethal force against demonstrators and the backdrop of allegations of electoral manipulation underscore a deepening political divide. The summit presents an opportunity for regional leaders to address these challenges and reinforce their commitment to fostering peace and stability, not only in Mozambique but also across the Southern African region, where interconnected economies are at stake.
Original Source: www.theeastafrican.co.ke
