ZANZIBAR: THE Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has emphasised the importance of upholding regional peace, calling for action to address the unrest in Mozambique.
According to statement released by SADC on Sunday, Dr Samia insisted that the SADC region could not afford to ignore what is happening in Mozambique, as it poses significant implications for the socio-economic stability of the entire region.
“SADC region cannot afford to ignore what is happening in Mozambique, especially when it directly impacts the socio-economic fabric of the entire SADC region,” she said.
Dr Samia made a statement during SADC virtual Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Organ Troika on Sunday to discuss the post-election political and security situation in Mozambique.
According to the statement, the summit noted with concern the deteriorating post-election political and security situation in Mozambique, including the socio-economic impact in the country and the adverse effects on the supply chains of essential commodities.
The summit mandated the SADC Panel of Elders, supported by the Ministerial Committee of the Organ (MCO) Troika Member States, namely Malawi, Zambia and Tanzania, and the SADC Secretariat, to engage with the government of Mozambique and key leaders of the opposition on the postelection environment in Mozambique and report to the Chairperson of the SADC Organ by January 15th this year.
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Moreover, the summit directed the Inter-state Defence and Security Committee to propose measures to protect the regional trade routes, humanitarian corridors and energy supplies, while finding solutions to the political and security challenges in Mozambique.
The summit also commended Dr Samia for convening the Extraordinary Organ Troika Summit on the post-election political and security situation in Mozambique and for her leadership in galvanising regional efforts towards the attainment of lasting peace and security in the SADC region.
The summit was also attended by leaders from Zambia and Malawi, members of the Organ Troika, alongside Tanzanian officials including Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, Minister for Defence and National Service, Dr Stergomena Tax and senior ministry officials.
In his contribution, Zambia President Hakainde Hichilema said that the political and security situation in Mozambique is not only affecting the people of Mozambique but also hindering regional trade in critical sectors like energy and transport.
He underscored the need for SADC to firmly support interventions aimed at restoring peace and stability in Mozambique through collective action in promoting regional security and cooperation.
The Executive Secretary of SADC, Mr Elias Magosi reiterated SADC’s solidarity with the people of Mozambique in the spirit of unity and cooperation to pave the way for the people of Mozambique to return to a normal life of peace and prosperity.
On Saturday, Ambassador Kombo highlighted SADC’s continued engagement with the situation in Mozambique, saying that the region remains committed to finding lasting solutions.
He pointed to SADC’s consistent monitoring and advocacy efforts, including President Samia’s earlier calls for calm and dialogue among Mozambique’s political actors.
In her statement issued last week, President Samia reaffirmed SADC’s unwavering commitment to supporting Mozambique in resolving the crisis through peaceful and diplomatic means.
She emphasised that SADC stands ready to assist, through established mechanisms, to facilitate dialogue and promote a sustainable resolution to the ongoing challenges.
“We therefore appeal for an immediate cessation of all hostilities, while reiterating the importance of prioritising the well-being and livelihoods of the Mozambican people,” President Samia stated.
According to the SADC Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM), the elections were conducted in a generally peaceful and calm atmosphere, with citizens demonstrating patience and determination in exercising their democratic rights.
SEOM’s preliminary statement, delivered on October 11 last year in Maputo, commended the orderly conduct of the electoral process and the commitment shown by stakeholders to uphold democratic principles.
However, the period following the election results has been marred by widespread protests and outbreaks of violence, leading to significant casualties and damage.
The tensions have escalated, with multiple incidents of civil unrest reported across various regions of Mozambique.
