Portugal’s ambassador to Mozambique, António Costa Moura, this Monday (2) highlighted the resilience of the Portuguese community in the country, calling for a spirit of cooperation and mutual help to be maintained in the face of the instability resulting from the post-election period, Lusa reported .
‘The general feeling is one of perplexity and concern, but also of courage and great resilience. The community has shown a great spirit of mutual help, which is essential at these times,’ said the diplomat during a conference in Maputo.
Costa Moura emphasised that the embassy and consulate-general have reinforced security monitoring and promoted meetings with representatives of the Portuguese community. ‘With the daily support of the diplomatic institutions, we believe that we will be able to contribute to a solution, as long as our Mozambican brothers deem it necessary,’ he added.
The Portuguese community in Mozambique is made up of tens of thousands of citizens, as well as around 400 companies linked to Portugal operating in the country. During this period of demonstrations and clashes, which worsened after the general elections on 9 October, the consulate-general kept its doors open and held meetings with members of the community to assess risks and reinforce security measures.
‘What was reported to us reflects an impressive capacity to adapt and a remarkable serenity, even in the face of the volatility of the situation,’ said the consul general in Maputo, Fernando Morgado, who took part in the consultations held over the last few days.
According to Morgado, the community’s response has been characterised by prudence and confidence, despite the uncertainties. ‘We will continue to keep the door open and update security recommendations, always in close contact with Portuguese citizens,’ he said.
The post-election period in Mozambique has been marked by demonstrations led by presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane, who is contesting the results announced and is awaiting validation by the Constitutional Council. Sporadic clashes have occurred, most frequently in Maputo, but the Portuguese authorities guarantee that they are monitoring the situation closely.
The ambassador concluded with an appeal for cooperation and dialogue as a means of overcoming the challenges facing the country. ‘We are certain that Mozambicans will find a solution to their problems and that, as a community, we must continue to show resilience and support each other.’
