SADC commends Mozambique leaders' response to violence

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Observer Mission in Mozambique says it is encouraged by the response of that country's political leaders to incidents of violence in the run-up to elections.

Mozambique will on Wednesday hold its fifth general elections since its 16-year civil war ended in 1994.

Earlier this month violence was reported between supporters of the ruling Frelimo party and relative newcomer, the Mozambique Democratic Movement in the provinces of Nampula and Gaza.

A few more incidents were reported on Monday.
It’s been encouraging that when the incidence of violence occurred that these were condemned by the leadership of the political parties
Deputy Minister of International Relations, Luwellen Landers, who represents South Africa on the regional mission, says:  “Everything has been relatively peaceful. I say relatively because there has been isolated incidences of violence which were reported to us which we did not witness ourselves.

They were between supporters of the political parties. It’s been encouraging that when the incidence of violence occurred that these were condemned by the leadership of the political parties and they distanced themselves from the violence.”

Leaders of the Renamo opposition party and the ruling Frelimo have signed a peace agreement. It is all aimed at ending the insurgency in the north of the country.

SABC News