Defense Council Calls on Mozambican Police to “Prioritize Dialogue”

Mozambique's National Defense and Security Council (CNDS) today called on the Defense and Security Forces to prioritize dialogue with the people during the demonstrations to contest the October elections, admitting “disastrous consequences” for the economy.

"[The CNDS] called on the Defence and Security Forces [FDS] to continue to prioritise dialogue with the population and for their actions to prioritise the protection of the lives and property of Mozambicans", reads a statement from the Mozambican Presidency, sent to the media, after an extraordinary meeting of the body in Maputo, chaired by the Mozambican head of state, Filipe Nyusi.

The Defence and Security Council recognised the constitutional right to demonstrate, but deplored the involvement of children in the protests, the obstacles to the functioning of institutions, the free movement of people and goods and the "veiled attempt to subvert the legitimately established democratic order".

The demonstrations, it said, had "disastrous consequences" for the Mozambican economy, calling on the authorities to identify those responsible for the acts so that they can be "properly held accountable".

"The body sent its heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones as a result of the demonstrations and stands in solidarity with the business owners whose businesses were vandalized or looted," the document also states, in which the CNDS praised the FDS for the "attitude and sense of state" demonstrated during the protests, which contributed to the reestablishment of public safety and tranquility.

Mozambique, and especially Maputo, the capital, have experienced work stoppages and demonstrations called since October 21 by Venâncio Mondlane, who does not recognize the results of the general elections announced by the National Electoral Commission, which gave victory to Daniel Chapo and the Mozambique Liberation Front (Frelimo, the ruling party).

The Mozambican Public Prosecutor's Office has already opened 208 criminal proceedings to hold accountable the "moral and material" perpetrators of the violence in the post-election demonstrations, the Attorney General's Office also announced on Tuesday, holding presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane responsible.

Presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane called for a new period of national demonstrations in Mozambique, for three days, starting today, in all provincial capitals, including Maputo, contesting the process of the general elections of October 9.