Pan-African Parliament calls for restraint, dialogue in Mozambique

Johannesburg: The Pan African Parliament (PAP), the legislative body of the African Union based in Johannesburg, on Saturday called for restraint in M...

Johannesburg: The Pan-African Parliament (PAP), the legislative body of the African Union based in Johannesburg, on Saturday called for restraint in Mozambique and urged dialogue to resolve the ongoing crisis in the country.

In a statement issued by the PAP, its Southern Caucus expressed "profound sadness and deep concern" over the unfolding crisis in Mozambique. "We grieve the tragic loss of life, with hundreds of individuals reported to have perished amidst the unrest, and we are deeply troubled by the fear and instability that now cloud the future of this great nation," the statement said.

On Monday, Mozambique's Constitutional Council declared Daniel Chapo, the presidential candidate of the ruling party Frelimo, as the winner of the general elections held on Oct. 9.

According to local media reports, more than 100 civilians have died in the post-election chaos, and hundreds have been injured.

"The Southern Caucus unequivocally condemns violence and calls upon the people of Mozambique to exercise restraint, embrace calm, and prioritize dialogue over discord," said Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, chairperson of the Southern Caucus of the PAP, in the statement.