South African ministers and a Mozambican delegation discussed ongoing protests in Mozambique linked to disputed election results. The ministers committed to awaiting the Constitutional Council’s ruling and agreed on measures to protect trade and minimize border disruptions. This unrest follows the announcement that Daniel Chapo won the election, a result contested by his rival Venancio Mondlane, prompting widespread violence.
Discussions were held on Wednesday between South African ministers and a Mozambican delegation regarding the ongoing unrest following Mozambique’s recent elections, which witnessed a surge of protests. \n\nSouth African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola stated, “We looked into the political situation in Mozambique and we have agreed that we will await for the outcome of the Constitutional Council,” during a press conference in Malelane, near the Mozambican border. Lamola emphasized that the results from the Constitutional Council are significant for both bilateral relations and for South Africa’s participation in multi-lateral platforms such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union. \n\nMozambique’s Interior Minister, Pascoal Ronda, leading the Mozambican side, reiterated President Filipe Nyusi’s commitment to resolving the electoral dispute. President Nyusi is advocating for dialogue among the contesting candidates, although Venancio Mondlane of the Optimist Party for the Development of Mozambique (Podemos) has thus far not engaged in discussions, according to Ronda. \n\nThe two countries’ ministers agreed on necessary measures to minimize disruptions at key border crossings, especially Lebombo and Ressano Garcia, and to safeguard infrastructure essential for trade facilitation. They expressed mutual intent to ensure that regional integration and cross-border commerce remain uninterrupted. \n\nSince the electoral results announced on October 9, protests have erupted in Mozambique, with Daniel Chapo of the ruling Mozambique Liberation Front (Frelimo) declared the election winner, securing 71% of the vote. Mondlane rejected these results, accusing the electoral process of being marred by extensive vote-rigging and inciting his supporters to protest. As a result of the unrest, South Africa temporarily closed one of its major border crossings with Mozambique last month. The Constitutional Council is set to rule on the electoral disputes on December 23, as the country grapples with the aftermath of protests that have reportedly resulted in at least 110 fatalities since October 21, according to election monitoring group Plataforma Eleitoral Decide.
The article addresses the post-election turmoil in Mozambique following the October elections, which saw a significant incident of voter unrest over the results. The declaration of Daniel Chapo as the victor has faced strong opposition from lost candidate Venancio Mondlane, leading to protests and tensions that have implications for both local stability and cross-border relations with South Africa. The bilateral talks between the nations aim to foster cooperation and response strategies to mitigate disruptions caused by the unrest and support regional integration.
In conclusion, the talks between South African and Mozambican ministers reflect the bilateral concern over the electoral crisis in Mozambique and its repercussions. With the impending ruling of the Constitutional Council on December 23, both nations are committed to maintaining stability and upholding trade relations, recognizing the interconnectedness of their economies amid the electoral dispute and ongoing protests that have claimed numerous lives.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
