The ongoing post-electoral crisis in Mozambique is deeply alarming. The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa: https://www.ituc-africa.org/) strongly condemns the violence, loss of lives, destruction of property, and livelihoods—especially among workers in the informal economy! This is a tragic reflection of a nation on the brink of collapse. Women and children, often the most vulnerable in times of crisis, are bearing the heaviest burden. We express our profound condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives and stand in solidarity with the people of Mozambique.
We strongly condemn the use of violence, the suppression of peaceful protests, and the heavy-handed approach that has led to the detention of thousands of demonstrators. We call on all parties to respect the rights to peaceful assembly, free expression, and political participation as enshrined in the Mozambican Constitution and international human rights instruments.
A Call for Dialogue
Mozambique’s history as a champion of liberation in Southern Africa demands that its leaders prioritise peace, unity, and democracy. We urge the government to initiate an inclusive and transparent dialogue with all stakeholders, including political parties, trade unions, civil society, religious leaders, and community representatives. Dialogue must aim to:
1. De-escalate tensions: Security forces must act with restraint, and protesters must refrain from violence and vandalism.
2. Investigate and prosecute: The government must conduct a thorough, impartial investigation into the assassinations of Elvino Dias and Paulo Guambe, as well as all post-electoral violence, ensuring justice for the victims.
3. Ensure transparency: Electoral authorities should release disaggregated results and address credible allegations of irregularities to restore public trust in democratic processes.
4. Foster political reform: Mozambique’s political system must become more representative, ensuring broader participation and accountability to meet its people’s aspirations.
Responsibility of Regional and International Actors
As the chair of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Zimbabwe is responsible for mediating and promoting peace. We urge it to act decisively. We also call on South Africa, the other SADC Member States, and the African Union to take swift and firm actions to rein in the deteriorating situation in Mozambique. All hands must be on deck to extinguish the burning fire in Mozambique!
The United Nations must also intensify its engagement, offering technical and diplomatic support to facilitate dialogue and address the root causes of unrest. We echo UN Secretary-General António Guterres’s call for all stakeholders to pursue peaceful and constructive solutions.
A Future Beyond the Crisis
Mozambique has long been a beacon of resilience and hope. This crisis offers an opportunity to reimagine a governance model prioritising inclusion, transparency, and justice. All parties must put the nation’s collective future above partisan interests, ensuring that Mozambique remains a pillar of stability and progress in Southern Africa.
We stand ready to support Mozambique in these efforts and urge swift and decisive action to end its people’s suffering. Peace, democracy, and justice are non-negotiable; they are the foundation of a thriving nation.
Akhator Joel Odigie
General Secretary
ITUC-Africa
Issued in Lome, Togo on 1st January 2025
