Mozambique’s Defence Minister warns that recent post-election protests have created widespread terror, leading to over 327 deaths amid civil unrest. He advocates for urgent reforms in defense and security to stabilize the country and addresses the threat of terrorism, particularly in Cabo Delgado. The calls for preventative measures reflect the gravity of the political and social climate in Mozambique.
Mozambique’s Defence Minister Cristóvão Chume has stated that the recent post-election protests have instilled a “feeling of terror” within the country. Speaking at the swearing-in of João Carlos Pires as the head of the Centre for Strategic Analysis of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries in Maputo, he described the current climate as one of chaos, where families are suffering from violent news concerning their loved ones.
Since October 21, Mozambique has faced severe civil unrest, characterized by protests and violent clashes between police and demonstrators organized by former presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane, leading to over 327 fatalities. Chume emphasized the significant damage the protests have inflicted both on Mozambique and surrounding nations, advocating for extensive reforms in defense and security policies to address societal disruptions.
Chume warned that the ongoing violence could pave the way for potential threats to national order and an increase in terrorism, notably in Cabo Delgado, a province plagued by insurgency since 2017. He articulated that the state was unprepared for the recent turmoil, describing defense forces’ responses to an evolving state of siege incited by social media.
He urged the CAE/CPLP to develop measures aimed at preventing and combating violence stemming from political unrest, acknowledging that this is not a new challenge faced by the community. Chume also stressed the importance of collective security despite the current atmosphere of popular scrutiny.
The ongoing protests in Mozambique are set against a backdrop of recent electoral events, which have led to widespread discontent among the populace. The social unrest began following contentious elections, resulting in protests organized by opposition figures. This unrest has resulted in unprecedented violence, with significant loss of life and injuries, stressing the necessity for reform in the country’s security and defense strategies to combat the escalating crisis.
The situation in Mozambique illustrates the critical intersection of politics and social stability, as the recent protests have not only led to widespread violence and fatalities but have also raised significant concerns regarding national security. The Defence Minister’s call for reforms highlights an urgent need to address underlying issues to prevent further chaos and potential terrorism in the region.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
