Honoring the Legacy of Federico Mayor Zaragoza and Addressing the Crisis in Mozambique: A Call for Global Action in 2025

Mozambique in Crisis: Post-Election Violence Threatens National Stability and Democracy

Mozambique is descending into a state of profound crisis as post-election violence continues to ravage the country. Following the confirmation of the ruling Frelimo party's victory in the October 9 elections, the nation has plunged into intense chaos, with violent protests escalating into full-scale urban riots. The Frelimo party, in power for more than fifty years, has faced increasing opposition as allegations of electoral fraud and political manipulation have triggered widespread unrest. The violence has already claimed the lives of at least 176 people in less than a month, with scenes of destruction, vandalism, and looting spreading throughout the capital, Maputo, and other cities.

The situation took a dangerous turn when the Constitutional Court of Mozambique upheld Frelimo's electoral victory, despite mounting accusations of ballot manipulation, vote rigging, and mass fraud. Opposition parties, bolstered by large swaths of the population, have rejected the results, branding the election as “stolen.” Thousands of protesters have flooded the streets in cities across the country, demanding accountability and justice. These protests have rapidly evolved into full-scale urban riots, characterized by violent confrontations with security forces. The capital, Maputo, has borne the brunt of the unrest, and the protests are showing no signs of abating.

The response from the government has been swift and brutal. Security forces have used tear gas, rubber bullets, and other heavy-handed tactics to quell the unrest, with Thursday's protest marking the largest and most severe clash yet. Human rights organizations report that at least 20 people have been killed by police in the past month, with local groups claiming that the death toll exceeds 50. In response to the growing unrest, authorities have threatened to deploy the military to restore order, while protesters have resorted to setting fires in the streets and targeting ruling party offices.

In an attempt to suppress further dissent, the government has imposed severe internet restrictions, including blocking access to social media platforms, according to reports from Human Rights Watch. This digital crackdown aims to silence opposition voices and prevent the spread of information that could further inflame public anger. Meanwhile, neighboring South Africa has closed its border post with Mozambique, citing security concerns and the escalating violence in the region.

This crisis has escalated to a critical juncture. Mozambique’s future, already burdened by the scars of a brutal civil war and ongoing political instability, now faces the very real risk of deepening division and lasting instability. The country’s democratic processes, the progress made over the past few decades, and its social fabric are all at severe risk. With civil unrest spreading and the government’s violent response threatening to tear the nation apart, urgent action is needed from both domestic leaders and the international community to restore peace, uphold human rights, and ensure a democratic resolution to the crisis.

What transpired during the election?

On October 24, Daniel Chapo, the candidate from the ruling Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (Frelimo), was declared the winner of the presidential election, thereby ensuring that the party—which has governed the country since its independence from Portugal in 1975—remains in power for another five years. This result, however, has been met with widespread controversy.

Even before the official results were announced, opposition parties vehemently accused Frelimo of electoral fraud. Allegations surfaced that the ruling party had engaged in practices such as ballot stuffing, manipulating voter lists, and placing loyal officials at polling stations to ensure favorable outcomes. Such accusations are not new—Frelimo has long been criticized for alleged election manipulation in the country, which has a population of approximately 34 million.

The European Union’s election observer mission corroborated these concerns, reporting irregularities within the electoral process, including the alteration of some results. Additionally, Mozambican media outlets have highlighted that the Constitutional Council—the highest authority on election law in the country—has requested an official explanation from the election commission regarding the discrepancies in the election results. This growing skepticism surrounding the integrity of the election process has further fueled tensions across the nation.

A History of Civil War and Violence

Mozambique continues to bear the scars of a brutal 15-year civil war fought between the leftist Frelimo government and the rebel group Renamo following the country’s independence. It was not until 1994 that Mozambique held its first democratic elections, marking a significant step forward after years of violent conflict. The 2024 election was notable as the first in which no armed groups were directly linked to political parties, thanks to a long and arduous disarmament process aimed at pacifying militias.

Despite this progress, Mozambique faces new challenges. The country, rich in natural resources—including recently discovered vast natural gas reserves—has been grappling with an ongoing insurgency led by an Islamic State-affiliated group in the northern province of Cabo Delgado, which has destabilized the region for several years.

In the political arena, Mondlane, a former member of Renamo who broke away to form a new movement, has gained significant traction among the disillusioned youth of Mozambique. Alongside the Podesa party supporting his efforts, Mondlane has emerged as one of the most formidable opponents to Frelimo’s long-standing dominance, representing a growing challenge to the entrenched political order.

Urgent Call for Global Action: Addressing the Escalating Post-Election Violence and Securing Peace in Mozambique

We are deeply concerned about the escalating post-election violence in Mozambique, which is destabilizing local communities and undermining the hard-earned democratic progress of the region. This crisis not only threatens the peace and security of Mozambique but also poses significant risks to the stability of Southern Africa as a whole, jeopardizing the region’s future development. Immediate attention and a coordinated international response are crucial to addressing the underlying causes of unrest and to establishing a foundation for sustainable peace.

On behalf of the Unity of Nations Action for Climate Change Council (UNACCC), a global coalition with chapters in India, Germany, Israel, Mexico, Nigeria, Uganda, Geneva, Australia, and the United Kingdom, we express our unwavering support for the African Union ECOSOCC in its efforts to end the violence. We stand in solidarity with the African Union Commission and all stakeholders working toward a peaceful resolution of the crisis in Mozambique.

We firmly believe that the active engagement of civil society organizations, faith-based groups, and local leaders is essential for promoting dialogue, reconciliation, and the mediation of peaceful solutions. By harnessing the collective strength of these key actors, we can begin the healing process, address the underlying grievances, and work toward a unified and peaceful Mozambique.

Our global leadership, including our Chairman, Dr. Rajat Sharma, and myself, firmly believes that the active involvement of civil society organizations, faith-based groups, and local community leaders is essential in promoting dialogue, fostering reconciliation, and mediating peaceful solutions. By engaging these key actors, we can work together to heal divides and address the grievances at the heart of this conflict.

The stability of Mozambique holds immense significance beyond its borders, as it directly impacts regional security and global development. Therefore, we call upon the African Union Commission to continue prioritizing this crisis and use its diplomatic influence to facilitate a peaceful and inclusive dialogue among all parties involved.

The consequences of this crisis are felt beyond Mozambique’s borders. The instability threatens to disrupt peace and security in Southern Africa, an already fragile region. Mozambique, a nation once seen as a beacon of hope after its civil war, is now facing a perilous moment in its history. The resilience of its people is being tested, and the country’s development and progress hang in the balance. As a global coalition, the Unity of Nations Action for Climate Change Council (UNACCC), which spans countries across the globe—India, Germany, Israel, Mexico, Nigeria, Uganda, Geneva, Australia, and the United Kingdom—stands firmly in solidarity with the African Union ECOSOCC, the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), and all other partners working tirelessly to address the growing violence and instability.

At UNACCC, we advocate for an immediate and concerted international response to this crisis. The root causes of the unrest—political exclusion, economic inequality, and lack of dialogue—must be addressed through an inclusive and comprehensive approach. The time for meaningful action is now, and we urge the global community to prioritize Mozambique’s recovery by deploying diplomatic tools and resources for conflict resolution, reconciliation, and peacebuilding.

Honoring the Legacy of Federico Mayor Zaragoza: A Call for Global Solidarity and Peace in Mozambique

As we enter 2025, I pause to honor the memory of our dear friend and esteemed leader, Federico Mayor Zaragoza, who passed away on December 19th, 2024. Federico was a tireless advocate for peace, climate action, and human rights—values that have inspired so many, including the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres. Throughout his remarkable life, Federico championed the cause of global solidarity, diplomacy, and dialogue. His tenure as the Director-General of UNESCO solidified his legacy as a visionary leader who recognized education, science, and culture as key tools for advancing peace. Federico’s lifelong belief in the collective responsibility to safeguard both our planet and its inhabitants mirrored the core objectives of the United Nations, particularly in the realms of climate change and peacebuilding.

However, as we reflect on his life and legacy, we are also confronted with a growing crisis that calls for urgent global attention—the post-election violence in Mozambique. The context of Mozambique’s current crisis is deeply troubling. The country has been struggling with violent unrest following recent elections, threatening not only the stability of its communities but also the hard-earned democratic progress that the region has worked tirelessly to achieve. Political tensions have flared, resulting in clashes between opposition groups and government forces, leading to loss of life, widespread fear, and the displacement of countless innocent civilians. This violence has undermined efforts at reconciliation and peace, intensifying divisions and bringing the country to a dangerous crossroads.

In times of crisis like this, the involvement of civil society organizations, faith-based groups, and local leaders is more crucial than ever. These actors have the ability to mediate, ease political tensions, and help build trust across fractured communities. UNACCC remains committed to leveraging its global network of peacebuilding and sustainable development experts to support efforts that will restore peace, human dignity, and stability to Mozambique.

This tragic situation calls upon us all to remember the values championed by leaders like Federico Mayor Zaragoza, whose legacy of dialogue, cooperation, and global solidarity should guide our collective response. The advocacy for peace and climate action led by figures like Federico and António Guterres continues to inspire us to find solutions that heal divisions and work towards a sustainable and peaceful world.

Let us honor their legacies by acting decisively, coming together to restore hope, create lasting peace, and reaffirm our shared commitment to a better, more just future for Mozambique and the world at large.

#GlobalPeace #ClimateAction #PeaceBuilding #Mozambique #HumanRights #Solidarity #InternationalCooperation #HopeForMozambique

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