At least 15 Nigeria federal lawmakers have moved against Mozambique opposition leaders, superintended by Venâncio Mondlane, over the carnage in the country.
It will be recalled that, following the controversial October 9, 2024 elections, which were contested over allegations of fraud, Mondlane and his lieutenants have championed civil disobedience which culminated into the deaths of 100 people.
With no end in sight, the 15 Nigerian lawmakers have petitioned the European Union (EU), United Nations (UN) and African Union (AU),US Govt, etc seeking their intervention in the political crisis which threatened democracy on the African continent.
The petition titled; “Mozambique’s Crisis: The Role of Opposition in Fueling Chaos Requires Firm global Action,” is addressed to Kaja Kallas, Vice-President of the European Commission, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security, US President, Secretary of State, US Congress, British Prime Minister , UN Secretary General, US Secretary for Africa Affairs, AU Commission, International criminal court etc
The lawmakers led by Hon.Peter Aniekwe in their petition signed by over 15 Federal Lawmakers (Hon. Lukman Mudashiru, Hon. Joshua Gana Audu, Hon.Nnamdi Ezechi, Hon.Mathew Nwaogu, Hon. Idu Emeka, Hon. mustapha Aliyu, Hon.Adepoju Anthony, Paul Gowan, Hon. Umar yabo yusuf, Hon. Afam Ogene, Hon. Gwacham maureen, Hon. Sunday Umeahia, Hon. Chimaobi Atu, Hon. Ngozi Okoli, etc condemned the Mozambique’s opposition and urged decisive EU Action towards ending the impasse and restoring normalcy in the African country.
It reads: “We write to you with deep concern over the escalating crisis in Mozambique, a nation that now teeters on the brink of total collapse due to the reckless actions of desperate politicians.
“The fallout from the October 2024 presidential election, which saw Daniel Chapo of the Frelimo party decisively elected with 65% of the vote, has been exploited to incite violence and destabilize the country.
“The Constitutional Council’s December 23 ruling, which affirmed the election’s legitimacy, should have marked the end of this contest. Instead, it has become a flashpoint for unrest orchestrated by Podemos, Mondlane’s party.
“The opposition’s refusal to accept the outcome and its subsequent calls for mass protests have spiraled into widespread violence. Over 130 lives have been lost, with property and infrastructure destroyed, leaving Mozambique’s economy — already battered by Cyclone Chido — facing further devastation.”
Tracing the historical context and legacy of instability, the petitioners stated that: “Mozambique’s political history has been marked by a struggle to consolidate peace and democracy following the civil war that ended in 1992. The Frelimo party, which has governed since independence, has faced repeated challenges from opposition groups.
“While disagreements and disputes have been part of the democratic process, Mondlane’s refusal to use legal mechanisms to address grievances represents a dangerous departure from democratic norms. This is not the first time opposition forces have rejected election results in Mozambique, but the scale and intensity of the violence today are unprecedented.
“Mondlane’s declaration that he intends to install himself as president on January 15 is a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked political ambition. His rhetoric and actions set a precedent that risks undermining the fragile democratic institutions that Mozambique has worked so hard to build.”
On the role of the opposition in instigating violence, they said: “What makes the current unrest particularly troubling is the deliberate manner in which the opposition has incited violence. Mondlane has leveraged widespread discontent, particularly among young Mozambicans, to mobilize protests that quickly escalated into riots.
“Public infrastructure, businesses, and even government facilities have been targeted, with reports of arson, looting, and attacks on state officials.The opposition’s actions are not only reckless but calculated.
Noting the economic and global implications of the imbroglio, the lawmakers informed that: “Mozambique’s position as a key supplier of critical minerals, including lithium and cobalt, amplifies the global significance of this crisis.
“Multinational corporations like South32 Ltd. have already suspended operations, and trade corridors with neighboring South Africa have faced closures. These disruptions threaten global supply chains for renewable energy technologies and electric vehicles.
“The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has downgraded Mozambique’s growth forecast for 2024, citing political instability as a primary driver. This economic downturn will further impoverish a population already reeling from natural disasters and inequality.”
Join Daily Trust WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You.
