The Parliamentary Group of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), in the Pan-African parliament, is calling for the intervention of the body and the African Union, for the political, social and economic stabilisation of Mozambique, as it believes that the crisis is affecting neighbouring countries, thus disturbing their economic stability.
According to an article published this Sunday, 29 December, by the newspaper O País, the post-election crisis in Mozambique is already worrying parliamentarians from SADC countries, who, in a statement issued by the SADC Parliamentary Group in the Pan-African parliament, demand concerted action by the countries of the region and the African Union to resolve the crisis in the country.
‘The unrest in the country poses significant risks to neighbouring countries and to the wider community in the Southern African region. Political instability disrupts travel and trade, economic activities, displaces communities and threatens the progress of regional integration. As a region, we cannot turn a blind eye to these challenges brought about by political unrest. SADC and the African Union must ensure a mutually beneficial mediation process and help stabilise Mozambique and safeguard peace and prosperity throughout the region,’ reads the statement.
The SADC parliamentarians believe that this mediation must first and foremost take into account the interests of the people. It must also lead political leaders to put unity and the democratic future above their parties.
‘We urge all political parties, civil society and stakeholders in Mozambique to commit to an inclusive and transparent mediation process that puts the aspirations of the people at its centre. Such a process must allow the people to choose impartial and trustworthy mediators who can guide the nation towards reconciliation, peace and stability. Only through genuine and constructive dialogue can Mozambique pave the way for solutions that reflect the collective will of its citizens,’ the document reads.
