Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi is seeking to step up efforts to deal with the political and social crisis that followed the October general elections, promoting a series of meetings with different sectors of society. This Monday (9), the head of state met separately with the Muslim Community and the Confederation of Economic Associations of Mozambique (CTA), representing the private sector, according to the newspaper Noticias.
During the meetings, Nyusi stressed the importance of inclusive dialogue as a tool for overcoming the tensions that have resulted in violent demonstrations and blockades in the country’s main cities, such as Maputo and Matola. The President called for the collaboration of religious and business leaders in the search for peaceful and sustainable solutions to the current challenges.
According to Diário Ecónimico, the previous week Nyusi had already held a meeting with the four presidential candidates from the last elections, although the absence of Venâncio Mondlane, one of the main opponents of the results, marked the initiative. Mondlane claimed that there were no conditions for a fair dialogue, accusing the process of benefiting only Frelimo and the winning candidate, Daniel Chapo, who obtained 70.67% of the votes, according to the provisional results of the National Electoral Commission (CNE).
Dialogue with academia was also on the presidential agenda. In a meeting with the rectors of public and private universities, as well as representatives of higher education institutes, Nyusi emphasised that the demonstrations are negatively affecting the functioning of the institutions and the process of collecting tax revenue. The President encouraged academia to contribute innovative ideas that could help strengthen social peace and stability in the country.
To broaden the spectrum of voices in the conflict resolution process, Nyusi met with the 8 de Março Generation Association, which has played an active role in promoting dialogue and mobilising peaceful initiatives at times of tension.
The demonstrations, led by supporters of Venâncio Mondlane, have intensified since the election results were announced, resulting in violent clashes between demonstrators and police forces. The protests, marked by roadblocks, destruction of property and the firing of tear gas by the authorities, have affected the movement of people and goods, causing economic paralyses in strategic areas such as Maputo and Matola.
The Mozambican President has reiterated the need for a joint effort between political parties, civil society, the private sector and ordinary citizens to restore normality. According to Nyusi, only through dialogue will it be possible to overcome tensions and rebuild trust in democratic institutions. Further consultations are planned in the coming days, involving other sectors of society in order to consolidate stability in the country.
