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United States EFF, MKP and DA call for stability amid enhanced border security ...
South African political parties have joined the government in calling for stability amid escalating violence in Mozambique, which has raised regional security concerns.
As tensions mount, South Africa has bolstered its border security and dispatched a special envoy, Sydney Mufamadi, to facilitate peace talks with relevant stakeholders.
Mozambique is facing intensified civil unrest following its Constitutional Council's decision to uphold the 9 October election results, declaring Daniel Chapo of the governing Frelimo party as the next president. On Christmas Day, more than 1 500 prisoners escaped from Maputo Central Prison, exploiting the chaos of nationwide protests.
Police chief Bernardino Rafael reported that the prisoners escaped after angry protesters vandalised a government building and police vehicles.
READ: US spies land in SA to discuss Mozambique
The South African government has expressed concern over the ongoing protests in Mozambique.
These developments have understandably raised fears among South African citizens about potential cross-border implications. In response, the government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of its citizens while maintaining regional stability.
To address the situation, the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) has intensified operations along the South Africa-Mozambique border. These measures aim to prevent and combat any opportunistic crimes that may arise during or after the unrest.
South Africa is also actively engaging Mozambique at a bilateral level to explore sustainable solutions to the crisis. Both nations are leveraging their strong diplomatic ties to implement measures that will restore order and enhance security in the affected regions.
"These engagements reflect the spirit of cooperation and mutual respect that underpin the relationship between South Africa and Mozambique," the government said in a statement.
Acknowledging the interconnected nature of regional security, South Africa reaffirmed its commitment to fostering peace and stability in Southern Africa. To further demonstrate its dedication to resolving the impasse, President Cyril Ramaphosa has dispatched Sydney Mufamadi as a special envoy to engage with all relevant stakeholders.
The government urged South African citizens to remain calm and refrain from spreading unverified information that could cause unnecessary panic. Relevant authorities are closely monitoring the situation and will provide timely updates as new information becomes available.
The government advised:
Citizens are encouraged to direct any concerns or inquiries to the appropriate channels to ensure accurate and constructive communication.
EFF Calls for restraint and accountability amid Mozambique unrest
The EFF have expressed deep concern over the escalating violence in Mozambique, which they attribute to the fraudulent nature of the October elections and the subsequent proclamation by the Constitutional Council affirming the results.
The unrest has reportedly resulted in more than 20 deaths, including two police officers, with more than 390 people injured and 800 detained.
The EFF criticised Mozambique’s ruling Frelimo party, accusing it of clinging to power through corrupt and self-serving practices that undermine democratic institutions. The party argued that the government’s failure to address basic needs, such as education, health, and economic growth, has fuelled public outrage, now met with excessive force.
"The Mozambican government and security forces must exercise maximum restraint and discipline when dealing with protests," the EFF said in a statement.
"Launching tear gas from helicopters, restricting internet access, and using live ammunition against unarmed citizens are gross violations of human rights. Such actions escalate tensions and push Mozambique toward a devastating civil war," the party said.
The EFF condemned these repressive tactics, warning Frelimo leaders of the historical consequences faced by oppressive regimes worldwide. The party also urged Mozambican protesters to avoid vandalising critical infrastructure, emphasising its importance for future rebuilding efforts.
Calling for South Africa to take a stronger stance, the EFF reiterated its demand for the South African government to convene Mozambique’s ambassador to express its strongest condemnation of the killings, arrests, and repression of protesters.
The EFF said:
It is not enough to merely call for calm and restraint. South Africa, in collaboration with SADC and the African Union (AU), must take urgent steps to hold the Mozambican government accountable and work toward an inclusive, long-term solution.
The party warned that Mozambique stands on the brink of a civil war, potentially more devastating than the apartheid-sponsored destabilisation of the 1980s, which claimed many lives, including that of President Samora Machel. Such a conflict, they argued, would threaten regional stability and undermine decades of progress within SADC.
Highlighting a political shift in the SADC region, the EFF pointed to the decline of former liberation movements, which they described as "an alliance of regressive forces refusing to accept their loss of popular support."
The party labelled this alliance as an "axis of evil" that poses a significant threat to the political future of the region.
The EFF stated:
The solidarity among former liberation movements during clear manipulation of electoral processes must be recognised as detrimental to the region’s progress. The intervention must prioritise sustainable solutions rooted in democratic processes and the will of the Mozambican people.
The EFF concluded by urging SADC and the AU to act decisively to prevent chaos and ensure the democratic aspirations of Mozambique’s people are upheld.
"We stand in solidarity with the people of Mozambique and reiterate our support for their legitimate demands for justice, democracy, and good governance."
uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) urges dialogue and stability in Mozambique
The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) highlighted the urgency of resolving the escalating unrest in Mozambique through inclusive and constructive dialogue. The MKP acknowledged the historical role of Frelimo in supporting liberation movements, including South Africa’s struggle against apartheid.
"We recognise the profound contributions of Frelimo in the fight for freedom across Africa," the MKP said.
However, we also understand the growing frustrations of the Mozambican people, who are calling for greater transparency and democracy.
The MKP urged all stakeholders - government, opposition, and civil society - to commit to peaceful dialogue as the only viable solution to the crisis. The party emphasised that violence and destruction would only delay progress and harm the nation further.
Quoting former President Jacob Zuma, the MKP said: "True leadership is measured in the ability to unite a people in the face of challenges, not divide them further."
The party outlined three key recommendations for resolving the crisis:
- Inclusive Dialogue: The Mozambican government and opposition must engage in constructive and inclusive discussions to address grievances and ensure electoral processes meet the highest standards of fairness.
- SADC Intervention: The Southern African Development Community (SADC) should take a proactive role in mediating the crisis, supporting democratic reforms, and preventing further destabilisation in the region.
- Infrastructure Protection: All stakeholders must protect Mozambique’s infrastructure and resources, which are essential for recovery and future development.
"In pursuit of democracy, peace, and Pan-African unity, the uMkhonto weSizwe Party stands in solidarity with the people of Mozambique," the MKP said.
"A united, peaceful, and democratic Mozambique is crucial for the stability and prosperity of the region and advancing the Pan-African agenda."
DA calls for protection of South African citizens
The DA has expressed serious concern over reports of escalating violence and political instability in Mozambique, which include allegations of human rights violations and the destruction of private property, including that belonging to South African citizens.
The party called on the Mozambican government to prioritise the safety and human rights of all individuals within its borders, stating that it bears responsibility for ensuring stability and security.
DA national spokesperson Willie Aucamp MP said:
The Mozambican government must take responsibility for safeguarding the human rights of every person residing in the country and take immediate steps to address the crisis.
The DA confirmed it had written to the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, requesting an urgent meeting to discuss the deteriorating security situation. It also received assurances from Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber that South African nationals arriving at the border from Mozambique would be assisted in returning home safely.
Furthermore, the DA called on Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola to engage urgently with Mozambique to work toward a peaceful resolution. The party also urged South Africans currently in Mozambique to share information on the unfolding crisis with its public representatives.
