Mozambique’s opposition has called on the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to intervene in the country’s escalating political crisis following disputed election results. Protests have erupted across the country, including in the capital, Maputo, where demonstrators have blocked roads and burned barricades.
The opposition has rejected the October 9 election results, alleging the polls were neither free nor fair. Manuel de Araújo, the Mayor of Quelimane, has urged SADC to engage with Mozambique’s opposition to mediate a resolution to the impasse.
Speaking to the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), De Araújo highlighted the economic toll of the protests, emphasizing the urgency of finding a peaceful solution.
“I was pleased to hear President Mbeki’s remarks on the matter. President Ramaphosa, I’ve requested a meeting with your minister of external affairs for two weeks now, but I have yet to receive a response. This issue needs attention,” he said.
SADC is set to hold an emergency meeting in Harare, Zimbabwe, to address the growing unrest in Mozambique. The opposition hopes the regional bloc can facilitate dialogue and help stabilize the nation.
