"Following the final announcement of the election results following the analysis of the electoral dispute by the competent entity and the setting of the date for the solemn inauguration of the elected President, the continent and the world are convinced that the spirit of unity among Mozambicans, dialogue and consultation" necessary for stability and a return to normal life will prevail, highlighted João Lourenço.
The President was speaking at the end of an extraordinary summit of the African Union on the Integrated Programme for the Development of Agriculture in Africa, which took place in Kampala (Uganda).
On the occasion, the Head of State pointed out that, after the armed conflict in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique faces a new challenge to democracy, with the emergence of the post-electoral crisis, which in two months has left more than two hundred victims and destroyed economic and social infrastructure.
Since 21 October, post-election protests in Mozambique, which have degenerated into clashes with the police, looting and destruction of businesses and public institutions, such as courts and police stations, have already caused around 300 deaths and more than 600 injuries.
The inauguration of Daniel Chapo (candidate of the ruling Frelimo party) will take place on 15 January, with the installation of the new parliament scheduled for 13 January.
Presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane (of Podemos), who returned to the country last week, continues to contest the electoral process and has called for three days of strikes in Mozambique and peaceful demonstrations during the inauguration of the deputies and the new Mozambican President.
The summit in Kampala addressed issues related to the development of agriculture and agri-food systems, as well as issues related to peace and security in Africa, with a focus on the increase in terrorist actions and violent extremism and unconstitutional changes to democratically elected governments.
"Unfortunately, some of these bad practices divert us from the central objective of our continent, which is to promote development, with agriculture as the driving force", stressed João Lourenço, expressing concern about the war in Sudan and the conflict between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRCongo) and Rwanda.
Regarding the latter, he considered that a high-level summit could help to break the impasse "and ensure that the understandings and gains already achieved are not wasted, particularly with regard to the withdrawal of the Rwandan military contingent from the territory of the DRCongo.
