EFF ON THE ONGOING PROTEST AND VIOLENCE IN MOZAMBIQUE @KASIBCNEWS

 

EFF ON THE ONGOING PROTEST AND VIOLENCE IN MOZAMBIQUE @KASIBCNEWS 

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) notes the concerning and destructive protest and violence in Mozambique following the October elections and the official proclamation by the Constitutional Council affirming the results. The election outcomes, widely criticised as fraudulent, have ignited widespread unrest, leading to the deaths of more than 20 people, including two police officers, with over 390 injured and 800 detained. 

This crisis is a direct result of a liberation movement, now led by corrupt and selfserving individuals, clinging to power by undermining democratic institutions and manipulating elections. 

The Mozambican government has failed to address the basic needs of its people, as evidenced by declining education, health, and economic growth. This mismanagement has fuelled public outrage, which the state is repressing with excessive force. 

The EFF calls for the Mozambican government and security forces to exercise maximum restraint and a high level of discipline in dealing with the protests. Launching tear gas from helicopters, restricting internet access to silence dissent, and using live ammunition against unarmed citizens is a gross violation of human rights. Such actions only serve to escalate tensions and push Mozambique toward a devastating civil war. 

We strongly condemn these repressive tactics and remind FRELIMO leaders of the consequences faced by other oppressive regimes around the world. History has shown that when repressive governments are overthrown, their leaders often face severe reprisals for atrocities committed against their own people. 

We further call on the people of Mozambique to refrain from vandalising critical infrastructure and assets. These resources will be essential for rebuilding the nation after their legitimate demands for democracy and justice are realised. We urge protestors to remain united, disciplined, and peaceful to ensure their struggle is effective and does not harm their future. 

The EFF reiterates its call for the South African government to convene the ambassador of Mozambique to record its strongest condemnation of the killings, arrests, and repression of protestors. While the EFF acknowledges the South African government’s statement noting the ongoing violence and urging dialogue, we emphasise that more decisive action is required. It is not enough to merely call for calm and restraint. 

We insist that the South African government, in collaboration with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union (AU), take urgent and concrete steps to facilitate a sustainable resolution to the crisis. The ongoing failure to take decisive and direct action has emboldened repressive elements within the Mozambican state, leaving citizens vulnerable to violent crackdowns. South Africa’s readiness to assist Mozambique must translate into tangible efforts to hold the Mozambican government accountable while working toward an inclusive, long-term solution that priorities the democratic will of the people. Mozambique stands at the precipice of a civil war that could be more devastating than the apartheid-sponsored destabilisation of the 1980s, which claimed the lives of many, including President Samora Machel. 

The EFF warns that such a conflict would have dire consequences for the region, threatening the stability of SADC and undermining decades of progress. There is a sweeping change in the SADC region politically, which has seen and will continue to see the rapid decline and ultimate extinction of former liberation movements. The solidarity amongst these former liberation movements at a time when there is clear manipulation of electoral process, is testament to an alliance of regressive forces and must be recognized as an axis of evil which will be detrimental to the political future of the region. The former liberation movements have reached a point of desperation, and have become either collaborators or oppressors as they refuse to accept that they have lost the popular support of the people. 

The EFF emphasises that any intervention must prioritise sustainable and lasting solutions, rooted in democratic processes and the will of the Mozambican people. Imposing external solutions risks alienating the population and exacerbating the crisis . The EFF calls on all stakeholders to act decisively and collectively. SADC and the AU must demonstrate that they are capable of preventing a descent into chaos and ensuring that the democratic aspirations of the Mozambican people are upheld. 

We stand in solidarity with the people of Mozambique and reiterate our support for their legitimate demands for justice, democracy, and good governance. It is important that regional leaders work toward restoring peace and stability in Mozambique and preventing further regression and backwardness. Mozambique and the SADC region cannot afford the consequences of inaction.