UN Chief Antonio Guterres voices concerns over post-election violence in Mozambique
Since the presidential election on October 9, Mozambique has been gripped by violent protests that have claimed 248 lives, including 33 deaths during a prison break on Wednesday.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed concern over the escalating unrest in Mozambique following the country's disputed presidential election, according to his associate spokesperson, Stephanie Tremblay.
"The Secretary-General is concerned about the post-election violence, which has resulted in loss of lives and the destruction of public and private property," Tremblay told reporters on Thursday.
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Guterres is closely monitoring the developments and has called for calm and constructive dialogue.
"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," Tremblay added.
Since the presidential election on October 9, Mozambique has been gripped by violent protests that have claimed 248 lives, including 33 deaths during a prison break on Wednesday.
According to Plataforma Decide, an election monitoring group, more than 1,500 inmates escaped from Maputo Central Prison in Matola, about 15 kilometres (9.3 miles) from the capital, with police confirming multiple casualties.
The unrest began in late October after Daniel Chapo, the candidate from the ruling Mozambique Liberation Front (Frelimo), was declared the winner of the presidential election. His main rival, opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, who is currently in exile, rejected the results, alleging widespread vote rigging.
Mondlane has called on his supporters to protest and vowed to install himself as president on January 15.
The ongoing violence has raised concerns among international observers about Mozambique's stability and the need for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
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