ZANZIBAR, Jan 6 (NNN-DAILYNEWS) — CHAIRPERSON of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, President Samia Suluhu Hassan, on Sunday chaired an emergency virtual summit of the Organ Troika Heads of State and government.
According to the statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation the meeting was convened to address the political unrest in Mozambique that followed contested results of general election held on October 9 last year.
The summit was attended by leaders from Zambia and Malawi, members of the Organ Troika, alongside Tanzanian officials including Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, Minister for Defence and National Service, Dr Stergomena Tax and senior ministry officials.
According to the statement, the summit focused on proposals for SADC’s role in assisting Mozambique in overcoming its political challenges.
“Mozambique has experienced widespread unrest since the opposition rejected the election results, sparking violent protests that have claimed lives and caused significant damage to infrastructure,” the statement said.
The summit reviewed recommendations on strengthening regional cooperation and implementing peace building measures. These proposals aim to stabilise Mozambique and mitigate the impact of the unrest.
On Saturday, Ambassador Kombo highlighted SADC’s continued engagement with the situation in Mozambique, saying that the region remains committed to finding lasting solutions.
He pointed to SADC’s consistent monitoring and advocacy efforts, including President Samia’s earlier calls for calm and dialogue among Mozambique’s political actors.
The Heads of State and Government of the Organ Troika pledged to intensify support for Mozambique through coordinated regional initiatives.
The meeting reiterated SADC’s dedication to promoting peace, stability and security in Southern Africa.
President Samia called on all parties involved in the ongoing conflict in Mozambique to exercise maximum restraint and avoid any actions that could further escalate violence and instability in the region.
In her statement issued last week, President Samia reaffirmed SADC’s unwavering commitment to supporting Mozambique in resolving the crisis through peaceful and diplomatic means.
She emphasised that SADC stands ready to assist, through established mechanisms, to facilitate dialogue and promote a sustainable resolution to the ongoing challenges.
“We therefore appeal for an immediate cessation of all hostilities, while reiterating the importance of prioritising the well-being and livelihoods of the Mozambican people,” President Samia stated.
She underscored the critical need for all parties to embrace peaceful and constructive dialogue as the most effective pathway for addressing grievances and fostering national reconciliation.
President Samia stressed that the restoration of peace in Mozambique is not only essential for the country’s stability but also for the broader Southern African region, which is interlinked through economic and social ties.
“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,” she added.
According to the SADC Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM), the elections were conducted in a generally peaceful and calm atmosphere, with citizens demonstrating patience and determination in exercising their democratic rights.
SEOM’s preliminary statement, delivered on October 11 last year in Maputo, commended the orderly conduct of the electoral process and the commitment shown by stakeholders to uphold democratic principles.
However, the period following the election results has been marred by widespread protests and outbreaks of violence, leading to significant casualties and damage.
The tensions have escalated, with multiple incidents of civil unrest reported across various regions of Mozambique.
President Samia expressed deep concern over the continued loss of lives, injuries sustained by innocent civilians and the widespread destruction of private property and critical public infrastructure.
“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,” she remarked.
The socio-economic impact of the conflict has been profound, with trade routes being disrupted and businesses forced to suspend. — NNN-DAILYNEWS