The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has endorsed Mozambique’s Constitutional Council’s ruling, which confirmed the FRELIMO party’s victory in the contested October 9, 2024, elections. In a statement dated December 23, 2024, SADC Chairman and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa emphasized the importance of adhering to the court’s decision to ensure peace and stability in Mozambique.
SADC’s Endorsement of the Constitutional Council’s Decision
President Mnangagwa described the Constitutional Council’s ruling as the culmination of all lawful processes for determining the election outcome, in line with Mozambique’s national laws and SADC election guidelines. He stated, “The ruling by that country’s top electoral court, which upheld FRELIMO Party’s victory, completes and thus exhausts all lawful processes on determining election results.”
Call for Compliance and Restoration of Stability
Mnangagwa urged all parties involved in the electoral process to respect the court’s decision, viewing it as a constitutional pathway to restore peace and normalcy in Mozambique. He noted that the region has witnessed a record number of national elections in the past two years, indicating that democracy continues to deepen within SADC.
Ongoing Protests and International Concerns
Despite the court’s ruling, Mozambique has experienced significant unrest. Protests erupted following the announcement of the election results, with demonstrators alleging electoral fraud. The unrest has led to over 130 deaths, including at least 21 fatalities reported after the court’s decision.
The opposition, led by Venâncio Mondlane, has rejected the election outcome, citing irregularities. Mondlane has called for continued protests and has announced plans to hold his own inauguration on January 15, 2025.
SADC’s Commitment to Support Mozambique
SADC has expressed its readiness to assist Mozambique in consolidating its democratic processes, emphasizing the importance of the rule of law. Mnangagwa stated, “SADC stands ready to assist the incoming Government, and People of Mozambique, in consolidating their electoral democracy on the basis of the aforesaid Court decision, which should be held sacrosanct by all.”
International Community’s Role
Mnangagwa also called on the international community to respect Mozambique’s sovereignty and to engage constructively in supporting the country’s journey toward peace and stability. He highlighted that the recent elections across the SADC region demonstrate the flourishing of democracy.
Conclusion
As Mozambique navigates this challenging period, the emphasis remains on upholding constitutional processes and engaging in dialogue to address underlying grievances. The support from regional bodies like SADC underscores the importance of regional solidarity in promoting peace and democratic governance.
