Tinaye Agere
Gibson Nyikadzino
Sunday Mail Correspondent
AUTHORITIES in Mozambique have uncovered evidence linking the deadly post-election violence that rocked the neighbouring country between October last year and early January this year to external forces that planned, financed and provided logistical support to the losing opposition PODEMOS party presidential candidate, Mr Venancio Mondlane, the country’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr Carvalho Muária, has said.
In an interview with The Sunday Mail, Ambassador Muária said assessments indicate that the violence instigated by the opposition leaders constituted acts of sabotage and terrorism that were intended to destabilise both Mozambique and the SADC region to bring “untold consequences to the country’s future and regional cooperation”.
Mozambique, he said, will continue to do everything “necessary” through internal dialogue and other mechanisms to address the situation.
On December 23, 2024, the country’s highest court declared FRELIMO candidate Mr Daniel Chapo winner of the October elections, having secured 65,2 percent of the vote, beating Mr Mondlane, who polled 24,2 percent.
The announcement of the final results triggered renewed episodes of violence, which had initially begun in October, resulting in loss of life, destruction of infrastructure and significant economic disruption.
“It is evident that there are third forces involved in the planning and financing of these costly evil acts, including the logistics to accommodate the losing candidate in a foreign country from October 21, 2024 to January 9, 2025,” he said.
“The opposition leaders who are front-running the deadly and destructive protests, which constitute acts of sabotage and terrorism, with the intent to destabilise not only the peaceful Mozambique but also the SADC region have no proven source of financial income to fund and mobilise such a level of urban terrorism, which is violating essential human rights, with alarming and untold consequences for the country’s future and regional cooperation.”
He described Mr Mondlane’s behaviour as “inspired by strange aspirations”.
The opposition candidate declared himself the winner of the election when the National Electoral Commission had only counted 10 percent of the votes.
In response to the opposition-led violence, Mozambique’s outgoing President Filipe Nyusi convened meetings with leaders of all political parties to foster national and inclusive consensus.
However, Mr Mondlane refused to participate in the dialogue.
Ambassador Muária thanked the SADC chairperson, President Mnangagwa, for his commitment to helping find a solution to Mozambique’s challenges and insisted his government will continue to pursue a path of dialogue to rescue the nation from the current situation.
“Mozambique will remain grateful to His Excellency, Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, for his tireless commitment in helping to find solutions for the pacification of the country, not only during this period, but also to his historic support and solidarity to the people and government of the Republic of Mozambique in moments of peace and challenges,” he added.
“We are confident that His Excellency President Mnangagwa will continue with his revolutionary good work to contribute to the transformation and realisation of the much-expected socioeconomic and industrial integration of the SADC region in unity, peace and security, to which Mozambique is one of the major beneficiaries.
“The government of Mozambique will continue to engage and deepen dialogue so that a common sense for what unites all may stand tall for the reconstruction of Mozambique.
Mr Mondlane returned to Mozambique on January 9 and has said he will swear himself in as president on January 15, the day president-elect Mr Chapo takes his oath of office.
Online Reporter