African Union Voices Alarm Over Post-Election Turmoil in Mozambique

Addis Ababa, Dec 27 (NationPress) The Chairperson of the African Union (AU), Moussa Faki Mahamat, has voiced deep concern over the escalating post-election violence in Mozambique.

In a formal statement, the AU leader called for a peaceful resolution to the intensifying unrest following the recent declaration of the final election results by the country’s constitutional council, an announcement that has led to numerous fatalities, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.

Offering his condolences to those affected, he urged for calm and appealed to the nation’s security forces to show restraint during these turbulent times to maintain public order.

The chairperson of the 55-member continental body also urged the government of Mozambique and all national political and social entities to pursue a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis, emphasizing the need to prevent further loss of life and damage to property.

He reaffirmed the AU's dedication to working alongside Mozambican stakeholders and the Southern African Development Community to halt the violence and protect constitutional democracy within the nation.

Earlier on Monday, Mozambique’s Constitutional Council, the authority responsible for constitutional and electoral matters, announced Daniel Chapo as the victor of the general elections held on October 9.

Chapo is set to succeed the current president, Filipe Nyusi, becoming the fifth president of the Republic of Mozambique.

While various irregularities were noted during the electoral process, they were deemed insufficient to annul the elections.

Local media indicate that the post-election turmoil has led to the deaths of more than 100 civilians and hundreds more injured since protests erupted on October 21.

Human rights organizations have accused Mozambican security forces of employing excessive force to suppress the protests. The Frelimo party has been in power since Mozambique achieved independence from Portugal in 1975.