Catholic Bishops in Mozambique Appeal for Peace amid Post Election Protests

They appealed to Mozambicans to maintain peace which they described as a “supreme value of our coexistence and citizenship.”

They further called for dialogue between the government, the electoral management bodies, the political parties, civil society, the Constitutional Council, the Council of State “and all other protagonists, with clarity in their positions.”

The Bishops called for the “restoration of legality, knowing that there is no legality without truth, making sure that the force of the law is the one that curbs and helps to overcome any possible manipulation of results or electoral fraud.”

“The pursuit of justice, which is the greatest path to peace and the healthy and fraternal coexistence of all Mozambicans,” the Catholic Church leaders said.

They also called for “reason and ethics so that any possibility of bloodshed between brothers is avoided by all means.”

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CEM members also appealed for “prayer for one another, which unites us as creatures of the same God in the different religions that exist in the country.”

They appealed to electoral bodies in the country to “responsibly and fairly review the entire process of tabulating the results that are being released, ensuring that they are a true reflection of the votes cast in the polls and, therefore, of the will of the people.”

Alleging that some leaders of political parties were out to benefit from the Mozambican crisis, the Catholic Bishops appealed to the leaders to call on their members and supporters “to come to their senses” and “to place the political, social and economic viability of the country above the partisan interests of a mere questionable electoral victory.”

They call on the security forces to “assume their role of protecting citizens, regardless of their party affiliation, and to ensure that law and order are maintained, without extremism, intimidating or favoring anyone.”

Mozambique's main opposition party, Renamo, is contesting results in Maputo that was won by the ruling Frelimo party.

Some 48 million Mozambicans were registered to vote for their local leaders in 65 municipalities in the southern African country.

In their October 18 statement, Catholic Bishops in Mozambique say, “It is in times of trial that the greatness of a people and its leaders is known. Let no one lack the courage to bring justice that will lead Mozambicans to harmony and healthy coexistence as a nation.

“As the national anthem tells us, let's all, in diversity, stone by stone, build a new day, an ever better future for Mozambique,” they add.

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.