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Post-Election Tension: Timor-Leste Calls for Dialogue to Stop Violence in Mozambique

Post-Election Tension: Timor-Leste Calls for Dialogue to Stop Violence in Mozambique

The President of the Republic of Timor-Leste, José Ramos-Horta, and the Prime Minister, Xanana Gusmão, have called for dialogue between the political players in Mozambique as a way of halting the violence and restoring stability in the country. In a joint statement, the two Timorese leaders expressed concern about the post-election crisis in Mozambique, stressing the need for an understanding that will allow political, economic and social life to be normalised, according to Lusa.

Since the general elections on 9 October, Mozambique has been the scene of growing tensions, with demonstrations and stoppages promoted by presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane, who is contesting the results of the poll. The protests, which are often repressed by the police, have already resulted in around 300 deaths and more than 600 injuries, aggravating the climate of instability in the country.

In the statement, Ramos-Horta and Xanana Gusmão advocate a political standstill and the opening of negotiations based on serenity and patience, stressing that dialogue is fundamental to restoring public order and allowing economic activities to normalise. They also believe that a possible agreement, even if provisional, could contribute to community security and the creation of a political calendar that guarantees the restoration of democratic order and legitimate political power.

The crisis intensified this week with the swearing-in of the elected deputies on Monday (13) in the Assembly of the Republic. The Mozambican National Resistance (Renamo) and Democratic Movement of Mozambique (MDM) parties boycotted the ceremony in protest at the election results, while protests returned to the streets of Maputo, leading to renewed intervention by the security forces to disperse demonstrators.

The climate of tension is likely to continue in the coming days, as Venâncio Mondlane has called for three days of national strike action to coincide with the inauguration of the new President of the Republic, Daniel Chapo, scheduled for Wednesday (15).

José Ramos-Horta, who was invited to the inauguration ceremony, will not be present due to logistical difficulties, but both he and Xanana Gusmão have expressed their willingness to travel to Mozambique as soon as possible. East Timor’s position joins other international voices calling for restraint and dialogue as the only way to prevent the crisis from worsening.

The instability generated by the electoral process continues to raise concerns, not only because of the impact on citizens’ security, but also because of the effects on the economy and the functioning of institutions.

With the country still mired in a political impasse, the international community is closely monitoring developments, while calls are growing for a negotiated solution that avoids further bloodshed and promotes national reconciliation.

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