Southern African leaders convene in Harare to address Mozambique post-election turmoil: Video
Southern African Development Community (SADC) leaders gathered in Harare, Zimbabwe, on Wednesday, November 20, for a summit focused on addressing post-election violence in Mozambique and other regional challenges.
SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi extended condolences to Mozambique, where post-election unrest has reportedly claimed dozens of lives. "The summit extended condolences to the government and people of Mozambique for the lives lost during the violence," Magosi said.
The summit also reviewed ongoing security operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), extending the SADC mission’s mandate by one year. "This is part of the regional response to address the unstable security situation in Eastern DRC," Magosi added.
In Mozambique, opposition leader Venancio Mondlane declared three days of mourning for what he claimed were 50 fatalities resulting from clashes following the contested October 9 elections. Mondlane, speaking to supporters online, reiterated demands for a vote recount, accusing the ruling Frelimo party of electoral manipulation.
Rights organizations have criticized the government’s heavy-handed response, alleging the use of live ammunition against protesters. The Centre for Democracy and Human Rights (CDD) reported 65 deaths during the unrest, with human rights officer Andre Mulungo calling for accountability.
SADC Chairperson and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa praised the region's collective efforts in safeguarding sovereignty and stability, stating, "We salute our gallant forces who protect the territorial integrity and collective security of our region."
