Maputo, 07 November, 2024 / 9:21 pm (ACI Africa).
Members of the Episcopal Conference of Mozambique (CEM) have appealed for peace, tolerance, and respect for life amid violence that erupted following the contested October 9 elections in the southern African country surges.
Protests erupted both before and after Mozambique’s electoral commission declared that the ruling party, Frelimo, had won the October 9 election, extending its 49-year hold on power.
Opposition candidates, civil society groups, and observers claimed the election was marred by fraud. At least 18 people have been killed in the protests. New opposition party Podemos and its presidential aspirant Venancio Mondlane have rejected provisional results of the polls that indicate a likely win for Frelimo’s candidate Daniel Chapo.
In a statement issued Wednesday, November 6, CEM members urge Mozambicans to exercise restraint and seek dialogue.
“In this tense moment, when many are preparing to express their concerns, as pastors, we feel the urgency to reach out to each of you with an appeal for peace, tolerance, and respect for life,” the Catholic Bishops say.
