As Mozambique grapples with increasing violence and political turmoil, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has voiced significant concerns regarding the safety and stability of its citizens abroad.

Reports have emerged detailing widespread human rights violations and rampant destruction of private property, which purportedly affect South African citizens living in Mozambique.

According to certain media reports, the situation in the country has become dire as more than 6 000 prisoners are said to have escaped from a high-security facility in Maputo on Christmas Day following a rebellion, during which at least 33 inmates were killed.

This chaos comes hot on the heels of protests and riots that have been triggered by the recent confirmation of the ruling Frelimo party’s victory in October’s elections.

Willie Aucamp, the DA’s national spokesperson, expressed fears over an imminent collapse of the social order in Mozambique. He underlined the responsibility of the Mozambican government to secure the safety and well-being of all individuals within its borders.

“The Mozambican government must take responsibility for the safeguarding of the human rights of every person residing in the country,” Aucamp stated.

The DA has formally reached out to the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, urging for an urgent meeting to discuss the deteriorating security situation.

“The Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, has assured the DA that all South African nationals arriving at the border from Mozambique will be able to return home safely,” said Aucamp.

However, he emphasised the necessity for the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, to engage urgently with his Mozambican counterpart, advocating for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

The situation in Mozambique has prompted a plea from the DA for South African citizens currently in the country to share information on the ongoing crisis with public representatives. This call to action illustrates the party’s commitment to protecting its nationals abroad during these turbulent times.

In contrast to the DA’s stance, the South African Communist Party (SACP) publicly congratulated the ruling party Frelimo following a court’s confirmation of its electoral victory amidst claims of irregularities.

SACP general secretary Solly Mapaila praised Mozambique’s sovereign institutions of law and urged respect for democratic processes.

“We call for calm, peace, and development,” Mapaila declared, asserting that Frelimo’s continued leadership is critical for advancing a vision of sovereignty and anti-imperialism.

Compounding the already tense atmosphere in Mozambique, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) condemned the government’s heavy-handed tactics against protestors, which have left over 20 dead and many injured.

EFF National Spokesperson, Leigh-Ann Mathys, noted that the government’s failure to meet basic needs has led to tragic unrest and urged the international community to stand in solidarity with the people of Mozambique.

Amidst these developments, ActionSA President Herman Mashaba reiterated the broader implications of Mozambique’s instability on regional security, cautioning that crises in neighbouring countries often spill over into South Africa.

“We must ensure that South Africa’s borders are secure while advocating for a peaceful resolution facilitated by credible bodies such as the African Union or SADC,” Mashaba remarked.

The Star

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