ACT Wazalendo calls for urgent action on Mozambique’s post-election crisis
What you need to know:
- The opposition has vehemently rejected the election results, citing widespread allegations of fraud.
Dar es Salaam. The opposition party ACT-Wazalendo has expressed deep concern over the ongoing political crisis in Mozambique following the controversial general elections held on October 15, 2024.
The opposition has vehemently rejected the election results, citing widespread allegations of fraud.
The situation has escalated into violent protests, claiming the lives of hundreds of innocent citizens, and the recent targeted killings of political figures, including the head of Mozambique's national intelligence agency, have further raised alarm.
In a press statement issued on December 26, ACT Wazalendo emphasised the deep ties between Tanzania and Mozambique, noting that the two countries share a long history of liberation struggles and over 850 kilometers-border.
The party stated that it is unacceptable for Tanzania to remain silent as Mozambique grapples with such turmoil.
“We cannot turn a blind eye to the suffering of our neighbours. The situation in Mozambique is a grave injustice, and as a nation with shared historical, social, and geographical ties, we must respond,” said the party’s Shadow Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Dr Nasra Nassor Omar.
The party highlighted that Tanzania’s role as a founding member of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and its current leadership position as the Chair of the SADC Organ on Defence, Security, and Politics places an obligation on the country to act swiftly and decisively.
ACT Wazalendo also cautioned that continued instability in Mozambique poses a direct threat to Tanzania, particularly in its southern regions, which have already been affected by insurgency in Cabo Delgado.
“The ongoing unrest in Mozambique threatens the stability of our southern regions, including Mtwara, Lindi, and Ruvuma. We have already witnessed the effects of terrorism spilling over from Cabo Delgado, and further instability could exacerbate the situation, leading to an influx of refugees and heightened security risks,” Dr Omar stated.
The opposition party called on the Tanzanian government to take immediate action to safeguard its borders, prevent violence from spilling over, and combat illegal arms trafficking.
The party urged the government to protect Tanzanians living in Mozambican cities and towns.
ACT Wazalendo also emphasised the need for dialogue, calling on Tanzania to take a proactive role in facilitating inclusive and transparent discussions among all stakeholders in Mozambique.
The party urged FRELIMO, Mozambique’s ruling party, to engage constructively in these discussions for the sake of the country’s peace and stability.
Furthermore, ACT Wazalendo called on SADC to prioritise the stability of Mozambique, urging the organisation to intervene decisively in the crisis.
The party also urged the African Union to support sustainable solutions that would bring an end to the violence and instability in Mozambique.
“As an opposition party committed to justice and regional solidarity, ACT Wazalendo stands ready to support any efforts aimed at resolving this crisis and ensuring peace for the people of Mozambique,” concluded Dr Omar.
ACT Wazalendo’s call for action reflects growing concerns over the impact of Mozambique’s political instability on both its citizens and neighboring countries.
