Pretoria: Cabinet has expressed concern over the ongoing post-election violence in Mozambique, urging all parties involved to use established legal channels to address their election-related grievances. ‘The ongoing post-election violence is a concern, and all the disaffected parties should exhaust established legal remedies to resolve their election grievances and continue to build on the foundations of peace laid in the Maputo Accord for Peace and National Reconciliation,’ Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said during a post-Cabinet briefing on Wednesday.

According to South African Government News Agency, the Minister explained that SADC and AU representatives were present during the elections in Mozambique and that these structures indicated that despite a few hitches the elections were generally free. There were no incidents of violence or intimidation reported during elections.

The Minister emphasized that Mozambique, like South Africa, the United States, and Botswana, has a mechanism for
disputing elections. It is the view of South Africa that all parties not satisfied with the election’s outcome must use the correct channels. ‘The parties in Mozambique must submit their grievances and their evidence of displeasure or dissatisfaction through the constitutional counsel and allowed the counsel to adjudicate on the matter. There is a period allowed for that,’ she stated.

The Minister expressed concern over the recent violence, particularly those inciting unrest, as it ‘sets a dangerous precedent’. She noted that diplomatic channels have been engaged to ensure security forces do not use disproportionate force against those who are demonstrating.