In order to reduce tensions and find a peaceful solution to the current crisis in Mozambique, the UN Secretary-General calls on all political leaders and all national parties.
According to his associate spokeswoman, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has voiced his worry about the turmoil in Mozambique and called for a peaceful end to the current crisis.
Stephanie Tremblay told reporters on Thursday that the violence that followed the election had caused deaths and damage to both public and private property. “The Secretary-General is concerned about the post-election violence,” she said.
Tremblay stated that Guterres is still keeping a close eye on developments.
“He urges all political leaders and relevant national stakeholders to defuse tensions, including through meaningful dialogue and legal redress, refrain from the use of violence, and redouble efforts to seek a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis in a constructive manner, which is essential to the collective future of Mozambicans,” she said.
Violence during elections
According to Plataforma Decide, an election monitoring group, 248 people have died in violent protests that have shook Mozambique since presidential elections were held on October 9, including 33 in a prison break on Wednesday.
After authorities reported the deaths, more than 1,500 prisoners escaped from Maputo Central Prison in Matola, which is roughly 15 kilometers from the city Maputo.
After primary opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, who is currently in exile, lost the presidential election to Daniel Chapo of the ruling Mozambique Liberation Front (Frelimo), protests began in late October.
Claiming rampant vote manipulation, Mondlane has rejected the results and urged his supporters to demonstrate. On January 15, he has promised to take office as president.
