SADC on Mozambique unrest

Nqobile Bhebhe, nqobile.bhebhe@chronicle.co.zw 

SADC has directed its security committee to propose measures to safeguard regional trade routes, energy corridors, and humanitarian corridors disrupted by post-election unrest in Mozambique. 

The violence, which erupted after the announcement of election results, has caused significant economic disruptions and loss of lives. 

The unrest intensified on December 23, following the Constitutional Council’s decision to uphold Frelimo’s overwhelming election victory. President-elect Cde Daniel Chapo secured 65,17 percent of the vote, while opposition leader Mr Venancio Mondlane, who has been linked to much of the unrest, garnered 24,19 percent.

In response to the escalating violence, SADC leaders convened a virtual Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Organ Troika on Sunday to address the political and security situation in Mozambique. The Summit was chaired by Tanzanian President and chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation, Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan.

Other attendees included Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, the outgoing chairperson of the SADC Organ, Malawi’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Nancy Gladys Tembo, representing incoming chairperson President Lazarus Chakwera, and SADC Executive Secretary Mr Elias Magosi among others.

According to the communique, the meeting expressed deep concern over the political and security situation in Mozambique and its socio-economic consequences. It highlighted the negative impact on regional supply chains, particularly for essential commodities.

“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 the Republic of Mozambique,” reads part of the communique.

President Hassan said that the SADC region could not afford to overlook the situation in Mozambique, given its direct impact on the socio-economic stability of the entire region.

 President Hichilema echoed these sentiments, stressing that the unrest in Mozambique is hindering regional trade in critical sectors such as energy and transport.

“In his contribution, the outgoing chairperson of the Organ, His Excellency President Hichilema of the Republic of Zambia highlighted 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,” the communique stated.

“He underscored the need for the SADC Community to firmly support interventions aimed at restoring peace and stability in Mozambique through collective action in promoting regional security and cooperation.”

Mr Magosi reiterated the bloc’s solidarity with Mozambique, calling for unity and cooperation to restore peace and prosperity.

The Summit mandated the SADC Panel of Elders, supported by the Ministerial Committee of the Organ (MCO) Troika Member States — Malawi, Zambia, and Tanzania — and the SADC Secretariat, to engage with the Government of Mozambique and opposition leaders. A report is expected to be submitted to the chairperson of the SADC Organ by January 15,  2025. 

The violence has claimed several lives and severely impacted Mozambique’s economy. Businesses have closed amid fears of looting and attacks, exacerbating the economic downturn.

President Mnangagwa, who is the current SADC Chairman, issued a statement on Christmas Day, urging all parties involved in the October 9, 2024, elections to respect the Constitutional Council’s ruling. He also called on foreign powers to honour the sovereign will of Mozambicans.