Mondlane’s return saw one dead, and several injured in Mozambique election unrest. Photo: Courtesy
By Adonis Byemelwa
Tanzania is at the forefront of regional efforts to address the escalating political crisis in Mozambique, where post-election violence has claimed hundreds of lives and displaced thousands.
The Guardian reports that President Samia Suluhu Hassan, in her capacity as Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation, recently convened an emergency virtual meeting to chart a path toward peace and stability in Mozambique.
The meeting, which included leaders from Zambia and Malawi as part of the SADC Troika, focused on immediate and long-term strategies to resolve the crisis. Top Tanzanian officials, including Foreign Affairs Minister Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo and Defense Minister Dr. Stergomena Tax, participated in regional consultations held at Tunguu State House in Zanzibar.
Mozambique has been embroiled in political unrest following the opposition’s rejection of the October 9 general election results.
Opposition leader Venancio Mondlane alleges that the election was rigged to favor the ruling Frelimo party’s candidate, Daniel Chapo, who is set to be inaugurated on January 15. Mondlane’s return to Mozambique on January 9, after two months in self-imposed exile, was met with violent clashes between his supporters and security forces.
Live footage broadcast by international media showed police using tear gas and live ammunition to disperse Mondlane’s supporters, who were attempting to reach Maputo’s Mavalane International Airport to welcome him. One man was killed, and several others were injured, including individuals admitted to hospitals with gunshot wounds.
Mondlane’s return has heightened tensions, with supporters lauding his courage and detractors accusing him of inciting unrest.
Addressing the media upon his arrival, Mondlane emphasized his desire for dialogue with the ruling party, stating, “I am here in the flesh to say that if you want to negotiate … I am here.”
The post-election violence has forced thousands of Mozambicans to flee to neighboring countries, including Malawi and Eswatini. Makeshift camps are overflowing with refugees recounting harrowing tales of survival. In Malawi, entire families have sought refuge in camps, leaving behind homes destroyed by the conflict.
According to Eswatini authorities, nearly 1,000 Mozambicans have crossed into the kingdom over the past two months. Many are sheltering at the Malindza Refugee Centre, a facility originally designed for 250 people but now overwhelmed by the influx.
The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is urgently seeking additional funding to support the growing humanitarian needs.
Under President Hassan’s leadership, SADC is exploring avenues to assist Mozambique in resolving the crisis. The emergency meeting resulted in a set of recommendations aimed at fostering peace, including enhanced mediation efforts and logistical support for humanitarian relief.
Dr. Janeth Nyambura, a prominent peace studies scholar from the University of Nairobi, emphasized the importance of SADC’s unified approach.
“Regional solidarity is crucial in addressing this complex crisis. Tanzania’s leadership brings hope for a sustainable resolution,” she stated.
Similarly, Dr. Michael Tembo, an election expert from the University of Cape Town, underscored the need for electoral reforms to restore public confidence.
“Transparent and credible elections are the cornerstone of political stability. The SADC’s involvement could pave the way for meaningful change in Mozambique,” he noted.
As Mozambique’s political crisis unfolds, the stakes for regional stability remain high. Tanzania’s proactive engagement signals a commitment to addressing not just the immediate violence but also the underlying issues fueling the unrest.
The situation in Mozambique serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing democratic governance in the region.
With SADC’s support and the collective efforts of its member states, there is cautious optimism that Mozambique can move toward peace, stability, and the restoration of its citizens' trust in democratic processes.
