Fifteen Nigerian federal lawmakers have taken a stand against Mozambique’s opposition leaders, led by Venâncio Mondlane, accusing them of fueling terrorism and orchestrating violence following the disputed October 2024 presidential elections. The lawmakers have petitioned major global bodies, including the European Union (EU), United Nations (UN), African Union (AU), and U.S. government, urging swift intervention to restore stability in Mozambique.
The petition, titled “Mozambique’s Crisis: The Role of Opposition in Fueling Chaos Requires Firm Global Action,” highlights the role of Mondlane and his party, Podemos, in inciting widespread unrest that has claimed over 130 lives and devastated the nation’s infrastructure. The lawmakers condemned the opposition’s refusal to accept the victory of President Daniel Chapo of the Frelimo party, whose election was upheld by Mozambique’s Constitutional Council on December 23, 2024.
The lawmakers described the opposition’s actions as a deliberate attempt to destabilize the country, citing arson, looting, and attacks on state facilities as evidence of calculated efforts to undermine Mozambique’s fragile democracy. They noted that Mondlane’s declaration to install himself as president on January 15 reflects dangerous political ambition.
Beyond the human toll, the crisis has severe economic implications. The disruption of operations by multinational corporations, including South32 Ltd., and the closure of trade corridors with South Africa threaten global supply chains for critical minerals like lithium and cobalt. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has already downgraded Mozambique’s growth forecast for 2024 due to the instability.
The lawmakers, led by Hon. Peter Aniekwe, proposed targeted sanctions against Mondlane and his allies, support for an International Criminal Court (ICC) investigation into crimes against humanity, and technical assistance to Mozambique’s government to strengthen democratic institutions. They also called for dialogue between the government and opposition to address grievances within legal frameworks.
The petition underscores the international community’s role in safeguarding democracy and stability in Africa. It warns that the ongoing crisis in Mozambique is a test of global leaders’ commitment to these principles and urges decisive action to prevent further destabilization in the region.
The lawmakers emphasized that Mozambique’s position as a key supplier of renewable energy resources makes the resolution of the crisis not only a national but a global priority.
