THE Southern Africa Development Community (Sadc) will hold an extraordinary summit in Zimbabwe next week to deliberate on political developments in the region that include the post-election crisis in neighbouring Mozambique.
The November 16 to 20 summit will also discuss the recently held elections in Botswana and the impending Namibia polls.
This was revealed by Information minister Jenfan Muswere during post-Cabinet media briefing in Harare yesterday.
“The nation is informed that an extraordinary summit of Sadc Heads of State and Government is scheduled to be held in Harare from November 16 to 20, 2024 primarily to address emerging issues of regional significance,” Muswere said.
“The summit is expected to be briefed on political events in the region, including the recent elections in Mozambique and Botswana and upcoming polls in Namibia.”
Mozambique is currently grappling with protests across the country after the biggest opposition party rejected the results that saw the ruling Frelimo party extending its stay in power since 1975.
Opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane called for a general strike and week-long demonstrations in Mozambique, starting on October 31.
Clashes with the police have resulted in at least 10 deaths, dozens of injuries and 500 detainees, according to the Centre for Public Integrity, a Mozambican non-governmental organisation that monitors electoral processes.
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In a message to the diplomatic corps accredited to Mozambique regarding the electoral process, Mozambique’s Foreign Affairs minister Verónica Macamo accused Mondlane of calling for demonstrations that “ended in violence, death and destruction of public infrastructure”.
There are fears that the biggest protest slated for tomorrow, where thousands of people are expected to march into the capital Maputo, will turn deadly.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa, as Sadc chairperson, oversees the highest level of the governance structure of the regional bloc and among others, has the overall mandate of providing policy direction and controlling its functions.
The Sadc chairperson also interacts with the Sadc Secretariat staff, provides guidance and signs the body’s legal instruments during their tenure.
Mnangagwa has been criticised for allegedly endorsing and congratulating Frelimo’s Daniel Chapo for winning the elections before the results were announced.
Frelimo has had historical ties with the ruling Zanu PF party since the days of liberation struggle.
Amnesty International called on Sadc, among other regional bodies, to act decisively on the crisis in Mozambique.
“The international community must take a clear stand against the human rights violations in Mozambique. Neighbouring countries, Sadc and the African Union must speak out against the authorities’ violent repression of peaceful protests. Protect the right to protest in Mozambique,” Amnesty International said in a statement.
