Former President Guebuza Advocates for Dialogue Amid Mozambique’s Political Turmoil
Armando Guebuza, former president of Mozambique, urges dialogue between President Daniel Chapo and challenger Venâncio Mondlane to address post-electoral tensions. Chapo is engaged in discussions on state reforms, excluding Mondlane. The European Union stresses the importance of Mondlane’s inclusion in any resolution, amid ongoing protests and violence resulting in numerous casualties since October 21.
Former president of Mozambique, Armando Guebuza, has advocated for dialogue between incumbent President Daniel Chapo and Venâncio Mondlane, a former presidential candidate challenging recent election results. Guebuza highlighted that both parties have expressed their willingness to engage in discussion. He conveyed these sentiments while participating in the Heroes’ Day celebrations in Maputo.
President Chapo is currently engaged in discussions with various political parties regarding potential state reforms, which encompass modifications to the electoral legislation and the Mozambican constitution. This initiative was originally started by former president Filipe Nyusi as a response to the ongoing post-electoral crisis exacerbated by the recent elections.
A week prior, President Chapo announced that he reached an agreement with four political party leaders about the terms of reference for such reforms. However, Venâncio Mondlane was notably absent in these discussions despite being a leading voice against the electoral results, as confirmed by the Constitutional Council.
During the Heroes’ Day event, President Chapo emphasized his commitment to expanding the dialogue to include civil society, academic members, and various organizations. Nevertheless, he did not specifically mention Mondlane in his address. Chapo stated, “The first phase of the dialogue involves political parties with seats in parliament…” advocating for collaborative solutions regarding Mozambique’s future.
The European Union Observation Mission, which recently assessed the October general elections, asserted that any viable resolution to the ongoing crisis necessitates the involvement of Venâncio Mondlane. Laura Ballarín, the head of the mission, asserted during a press briefing that “there is no political solution to this crisis without a dialogue that is truly inclusive” involving Mondlane.
Since October 21, Mozambique has witnessed widespread social unrest characterized by protests led by Mondlane. These confrontations have unfortunately turned violent, leading to significant casualties, including at least 315 deaths and around 750 injuries, as reported by the electoral monitoring NGO, Decide.
In summary, the recent calls for dialogue in Mozambique, led by former President Armando Guebuza, emphasize the importance of inclusive discussions surrounding the post-electoral crisis. Although President Chapo has initiated talks with other political leaders for state reforms, the insistence on Venâncio Mondlane’s inclusion by both Mondlane himself and the European Union underlines the need for unity in finding solutions. The ongoing unrest highlights the urgency for an effective and peaceful resolution to the political discord affecting the nation.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
