Ongoing post-election violence in Mozambique a concern – Cabinet

Cabinet has expressed concern over the ongoing post-election violence in Mozambique, urging all parties involved to use established legal channels to address their election-related grievances.

“The ongoing post-election violence is a concern, and all the disaffected parties should exhaust established legal remedies to resolve their election grievances and continue to build on the foundations of peace laid in the Maputo Accord for Peace and National Reconciliation,” Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said during a post-Cabinet briefing on Wednesday. 

The Minister explained that SADC and AU representatives were present during the elections in Mozambique and that these structures indicated that despite a few hitches the elections were generally free. There were no incidents of violence or intimidation reported during elections. 

READ I South Africa calls for calm amid post-election tensions in Mozambique

“Mozambique, just like South Africa, the United States and Botswana, has a mechanism and a system of disputing elections. It is the view of South Africa that all parties that are not happy with the election’s outcome, like we had in South Africa, must do so using the right channels.

“The parties in Mozambique must submit their grievances and their evidence of displeasure or dissatisfaction through the constitutional counsel and allowed the counsel to adjudicate on the matter. There is a period allowed for that.” 

The Minister expressed concern over the recent violence, particularly those inciting unrest, saying it “sets a dangerous precedent”. 

She said diplomatic channels have been engaged to ensure security forces do not use disproportionate force against those who are demonstrating. – SAnews.gov.za