Africa’s Silence Towards Mozambique
- Admin
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
This declaration came despite evidence of widespread electoral fraud, irregularities, and public discontent. Even historical opposition parties, such as Renamo and MDM, joined civil society and international observers in rejecting the results. They unanimously recognized Venancio Mondlane as the legitimate winner.
Post-Election Crisis
Dual Command of the Country
The election results have created a situation where Mozambique is now effectively under dual governance:
1. Frelimo Regime:
• Maintains control over the defense and security forces.
• Uses military force to suppress dissent and enforce its rule.
2. Venancio Mondlane:
• Commands widespread public support and leads the opposition online from an undisclosed location.
• Uses social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube to organize and direct peaceful protests.
Public Protests and Violent Suppression
The people of Mozambique, following Venancio Mondlane’s guidance, have taken to the streets to demand the restoration of electoral truth. However, the regime has responded with severe violence:
• Security forces, under Frelimo’s control, have used war-grade weaponry against unarmed protesters.
• The number of deaths and injuries continues to rise, highlighting the urgent need for intervention to prevent further atrocities.
International and Regional Response
The Silence of Africa
Despite the gravity of the crisis, African institutions and governments remain largely silent. The African Union (AU), once again, has failed to take meaningful action. Of the 54 African countries, only one or two have issued statements, offering no concrete solutions.
Angola’s Role
Angola, a close historical ally of Mozambique, shares a similar political trajectory and governance style. It has chosen to remain silent, likely out of fear that similar unrest could occur in its own 2027 elections. Meanwhile, individual citizens from Angola, Namibia, and other African nations have shown solidarity with Mozambique through social media activism and financial contributions.
Historical Context
Parallels with Libya
Ugandan President Museveni once criticized the African Union for its inaction during the Libyan crisis. When African leaders attempted to mediate peace, they were instructed to abandon their efforts, leaving Libya to descend into chaos. Today, the same passive approach is evident in Mozambique, where the AU remains on the sidelines.
Rwanda’s Role
Reports suggest that Rwandan soldiers, stationed in Mozambique, are supporting the Frelimo regime. This raises questions about Rwanda’s motivations, especially given its own history of genocide in 1994.
The Cabo Delgado Crisis
During the ongoing protests, there has been little mention of the terrorist groups in Cabo Delgado. This has led to speculation that the government and its international allies may have exaggerated the threat to justify the militarization of the region and exploit its natural gas resources.
Critical Analysis and Implications
The situation in Mozambique illustrates broader issues in Africa:
1. Democratic Fragility:
• Elections are increasingly manipulated, forcing political change to occur through coups rather than democratic processes.
2. Institutional Inaction:
• The African Union’s passivity enables regimes to suppress dissent without consequences.
3. A Growing Divide:
• Mozambique is now effectively governed by two parallel authorities: the Frelimo regime and Venancio Mondlane, who commands the people’s support online.
Conclusion
Africa’s silence towards Mozambique’s post-election crisis reflects a troubling pattern of inaction that undermines democracy and human rights. Without immediate intervention by African and international institutions, the country risks further violence and instability. Mozambique’s struggle is a wake-up call for the continent to confront its governance failures and prioritize the will of its people.
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