HARARE, January 1, 2025 — The Southern African Development Community (SADC) on Tuesday called for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Mozambique to pave the way for dialogue to resolve the country’s unrest.
“The SADC calls upon all parties to exercise restraint and refrain from actions that escalate violence and unrest. The SADC stresses the importance of embracing peaceful and constructive dialogue as the preferred avenue to address grievances,” said Samia Suluhu Hassan, Tanzanian president and chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defense and Security Cooperation, in a statement issued by the SADC Secretariat.
The SADC Organ on Politics, Defense, and Security Cooperation, managed on a Troika basis, is responsible for promoting peace and security in the region. Zambia and Malawi currently serve alongside Tanzania as members of the SADC Organ Troika.
Hassan said the regional bloc is deeply concerned by the continued loss of lives, injuries and destruction of private property and public infrastructure in Mozambique.
“The current situation has also caused significant economic challenges for the nation, disrupted cross-border trade, and hindered the free movement of people,” she added.
Last week, Mozambique’s Constitutional Council declared Daniel Chapo, the presidential candidate of the ruling party Frelimo, as the winner of the general elections held on Oct. 9. According to local media reports, more than 100 civilians have died and hundreds have been injured in the post-election chaos.
Hassan said that despite a generally calm and peaceful election on Oct. 9, the post-election period has been marred by protests and violence, exacerbated by the official announcement of election results on Dec. 23.
She reaffirmed the SADC’s readiness to assist, through appropriate mechanisms, in facilitating a peaceful resolution to the ongoing political challenges.
“Our collective aspiration remains the restoration of harmony and stability in Mozambique, aligned with our shared vision of good governance, social cohesion and sustainable development in the region,” Hassan said.
The SADC, a regional economic community of 16 member states, includes both Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
Last week, Zimbabwean President and SADC Chairperson Emmerson Mnangagwa welcomed the ruling of Mozambique’s Constitutional Council. He urged all parties to respect the court’s decision, stressing that it provides a constitutional path forward for Mozambique while fostering peace, normalcy and stability in the country. (Xinhua)
SADC urges immediate end to hostilities in Mozambique
