Regional Efforts to Stabilize Mozambique Highlighted at SADC Emergency Meeting

President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania Led SADC's Urgent Virtual Summit on Mozambique

  

Zanzibar, Tanzania - In a concerted effort to address the escalating political unrest in Mozambique, President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania, who currently chairs the Southern African Development Community (SADC) organ on politics, defence, and security cooperation, led an emergency virtual summit over the weekend. The focus was on formulating regional strategies to restore peace in Mozambique following the contentious general elections of last October 9.

The meeting included key members of the SADC troika, Zambia and Malawi, who gathered to deliberate on potential solutions to the crisis. The discussions were held in the backdrop of regional consultations at the Tunguu State House in Zanzibar, with top Tanzanian officials like Foreign Affairs Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo and Defense Minister Dr. Stergomena Tax in attendance.

The unrest in Mozambique has led to a significant humanitarian crisis, with thousands fleeing across borders to escape the post-election violence. Reports indicate that many have sought refuge in Malawi, while an internal note from Eswatini authorities reveals that nearly 1,000 Mozambicans have crossed into the kingdom in the last two months alone. The Malindza Refugee Centre near the Mozambique-Eswatini border, originally designed for 250 people, is now struggling to accommodate the influx, leading to urgent calls for additional funding as noted by the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR).

During the SADC meeting, leaders reviewed recommendations aimed at assisting Mozambique, focusing on both immediate relief for the displaced and long-term strategies to quell the political turmoil. The dialogue emphasized the need for coordinated regional action to address not just the symptoms but the root causes of the instability.

The outcomes of these discussions are expected to guide SADC's next steps, potentially involving further diplomatic engagements or support in defense and security measures to help stabilize the region. The commitment from SADC nations reflects a broader regional responsibility to ensure peace and security, underscoring the interconnected nature of stability in Southern Africa.

Read full SADC statement below:

STATEMENT BY HER EXCELLENCY DR. SAMIA SULUHU HASSAN, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA AND CHAIRPERSON OF THE SADC ORGAN ON POLITICS, DEFENCE AND SECURITY COOPERATION ON THE POST-ELECTION POLITICAL AND SECURITY SITUATION IN MOZAMBIQUE

On 9th October this year, the Mozambican people went to the polls in a generally calm and peaceful atmosphere. This was observed by the SADC Electoral Observation Mission’s (SEOM) Preliminary Statement delivered in Maputo on 11th October 2024. The post-election political developments have, however, been marred by protests and acts of violence, leading to the loss of many lives. The announcement of the official election results on 23rd December 2024 exacerbated tensions in the country.

We are deeply concerned by the continued loss of lives, injuries, destruction of private property and public infrastructure. The current situation has also caused significant economic challenges on the nation, disrupted cross-border trade, and hindered the free movement of people.

The SADC calls upon all parties to exercise restraint and refrain from actions that escalate violence and unrest. It also reaffirms readiness to assist, through appropriate mechanisms, in facilitating a peaceful resolution to the existing challenges. We therefore appeal for an immediate cessation of all hostilities, while reiterating the importance of prioritizing the well-being and livelihoods of the Mozambican people. 

SADC stresses all parties to embrace peaceful and constructive dialogue as the preferred avenue to address grievances. Our collective aspiration remains the restoration of harmony and stability in Mozambique, in line with our shared vision of good governance, social cohesion, and sustainable development in the region.

H.E. DR. SAMIA SULUHU HASSAN

PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA AND

CHAIRPERSON OF THE SADC ORGAN ON POLITICS, DEFENCE AND SECURITY COOPERATION 

31 DECEMBER 2024