The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, has expressed deep concern over the escalating violence in Mozambique following the country's 9 October 2024 General Elections.
The unrest intensified after the Constitutional Council announced the final election results, resulting in the loss of numerous lives and widespread destruction of property.
In a statement released on Christmas Day, the Chairperson extended condolences to the bereaved families and called for calm.
He urged security forces to exercise restraint while maintaining law and order, emphasizing the need to avoid further bloodshed.
Mahamat appealed to the Mozambican Government, political actors, and civil society to prioritize peaceful dialogue and seek a resolution to the crisis.
“The Chairperson encourages all national political and social actors to seek a peaceful solution to resolving the current crisis to avoid further loss of life and destruction of property,” the statement read.
The African Union (AU) also reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with the Mozambican Government, national stakeholders, and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to restore peace and safeguard constitutional democracy.
Mozambique is not the only African nation to have held elections in recent months, with several other countries also experiencing post-election challenges:
Zimbabwe: The Southern African nation held elections in August 2024.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa was declared the winner amidst allegations of vote-rigging and criticism from opposition parties.
Protests erupted in major cities, but the situation has since stabilized.
Liberians went to the polls in October 2024. While the elections were largely peaceful, delays in vote counting led to tensions.
The country’s National Elections Commission (NEC) faced criticism for inefficiency, but key political actors have pledged to respect the final outcome.
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC): The DRC conducted its elections in December 2024 amid logistical challenges and insecurity in some regions.
International observers noted instances of irregularities, and there are concerns about the potential for unrest as results are awaited.
The AU has been actively involved in monitoring elections across the continent, encouraging adherence to democratic principles and addressing challenges that arise.
Chairperson Mahamat reiterated the AU’s commitment to supporting African nations in achieving peaceful transitions of power.
As Mozambique grapples with post-election violence, the AU’s call for calm and dialogue underscores the importance of regional cooperation and the need for democratic processes to uphold stability across the continent.