Mozambique’s Opposition Suspends Protests Amid Human Rights Concerns

Police amid the electoral violence in Mozambique Photo: @Firstpost

December 30, 2024 Hour: 7:05 pm

Mozambique’s opposition leader, Venancio Mondlane, announced on Sunday that demonstrations against the outcome of the October 8 presidential election would be suspended for a week.

This decision aims to allow humanitarian organizations and international bodies to assess the state of human rights in the country. In a Facebook broadcast, Mondlane declared a five-day reprieve to facilitate the entry of regional actors into Mozambique, as reported by the Club of Mozambique.

Mondlane mentioned that a group of former heads of state from southern Africa has expressed interest in mediating an end to the ongoing political impasse. The situation has drawn attention from neighboring countries, with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa dispatching his national security advisor to Maputo amid escalating unrest.

South Africa shares a border with Mozambique and has significant investments in various sectors, including mining, energy, and construction. In November, South African authorities temporarily closed the Lubombo border crossing after protestors set vehicles ablaze on the Mozambican side.

#FirstpostAfrica: Thousands have fled Mozambique in the past week to neighbouring Malawi seeking refuge from the southern African nation’s deadly post-poll protests and violence. Some 13,000 people have reportedly crossed from Mozambique to Malawi since December 23. @alysonle. pic.twitter.com/IpyVFDwu02
— Firstpost (@firstpost) December 30, 2024

Mondlane, who claims that the election was rigged, has vowed to install himself as President despite being outside the country. Last week, Mozambique’s top court upheld the victory of Daniel Chapo from the ruling Frelimo party, albeit with a reduced margin.

Since protests against the election results began in October, more than 250 people have reportedly been killed in clashes, with local civil society groups indicating that most victims were shot by security forces.

This situation underscores the urgent need for dialogue and resolution to ensure peace and stability in Mozambique while addressing pressing human rights concerns.