Mondlane seeks Mzembi’s intervention in Moza conflict -Newsday Zimbabwe

The conflict in Mozambique, which has claimed the lives of hundreds of people, arose after the controversial elections in which the electoral body declared the official Frelimo candidate, Daniel Chapo, the winner.

MOZAMBIQUE opposition leader Venancio Antonio Bila Mondlane has written to the president of the Institute of Cultural Diplomacy (ICD) in Africa, Walter Mzembi, asking him to intervene in the neighboring country’s political conflict.

The declaration sparked an uprising by disgruntled citizens, who have been protesting ever since, resulting in the suspension of many public utility operations, vandalism of property, and the deaths of many citizens.

ICD is a group of experts in mediation and conflict resolution in the southern African region, the African continent in general and within the global context.

Mzembi, who was foreign minister in then-strongman Robert Mugabe’s cabinet shortly before he was deposed in a coup in November 2017, fled into exile at the height of the coup.

In a letter dated December 29, 2024, Mondlane called on Mzembi to intervene, citing serious human rights violations.

“With the greatest respect I address Your Excellency, recognizing your dedication and valuable contributions in mediation and conflict resolution interventions,” said the leader of the Mozambican opposition.

“The people of Mozambique are at a critical moment in their history, facing an unprecedented political and social crisis exacerbated by the electoral process of October 9, 2024.

“Although the people of Mozambique expressed their will at the polls, undemocratic practices compromised the legitimacy of the process, including manipulation of results, restrictions on freedom of expression and widespread intimidation.”

Mondlane said the irregularities undermined democratic values and threatened regional stability, adding that Mozambique’s political crisis directly impacted the economic interests of neighboring countries, disrupting cooperation, trade flows and regional security.

Mondlane said his bank accounts were frozen and there were strong indications that search and arrest warrants had been issued against him.

“At this moment I am outside the country, in an undisclosed location, where I continue to lead peaceful actions in pursuit of electoral truth and the reestablishment of democracy and social peace,” he stated.

He also cited alleged political repression following the murder of his lawyer and personal representative, Elvino Dias, who was shot 25 times on October 19 of last year.

“After the ruling of the Constitutional Council that declared the victory of Frelimo and its candidate, a wave of vandalism and looting occurred, in some cases led by police and military forces, creating a climate of terror and panic,” Mondlane wrote.

“Worse still, it is estimated that around 400 citizens have been murdered so far, many of them released from maximum security prisons by the police themselves.

“In this context, it is encouraging to have the support of former leaders who embody ethical, moral and African values like His Excellency to promote the annulment of the 2024 elections.”

He also urged the Sadc bloc to demand the annulment of the results and call new elections under international supervision, guaranteeing transparency.

“The time has come for Sadc Member States to unite in support of the people of Mozambique,” he said.

Mondlane said political and humanitarian stabilization was necessary in Mozambique, adding that the crisis had caused a significant exodus to neighboring countries such as Malawi, increasing pressure on their economies.

He said resolving political instability was crucial to mitigate its impact and restore confidence in the region.

He called on Mzembi and a team of Sadc elders to lead the process of restoring peace and dignity in Mozambique.

Mzembi, in a position paper on Mozambique’s political crisis dated January 6, 2025, acknowledged Mondlane’s invitation, adding that his paper was not a solution to the crisis, but rather an attempt to discern critical paths that could be used as roadmap towards a possible lasting solution. conflict resolution within the acclaimed Cultural Diplomacy Framework.

“The dialogue process for the stabilization of Mozambique must take place in the next seven days or at least before January 15, 2025, the inauguration date, before the situation degenerates further,” Mzembi said.

“The consummation of the council/panel of elders needs to be urgently constituted with former presidents/eminent persons taking the lead while the Sadc Secretariat can play a facilitating role in the entire framework.

“It is imperative to ensure equity and justice for all political actors in Mozambique for the sake of peace, unity and development of the country.”

UK-based ICD Africa Secretary General Pardon Tapfumaneyi confirmed his organisation’s commitment to Mondlane.

“We will be in Mozambique in a few days,” Tapfumaneyi said.

“We will meet with all interested parties, including the Sadc Council of Elders, to try to see how best to resolve these issues. “We are happy that Sadc has come to try to resolve the crisis.”

He said Sadc should not be seen as partisan but should try to resolve the issue transparently before his inauguration on January 15.