Nigerian Lawmakers Call for Global Action Against Mozambique Opposition’s Violence

At least 15 Nigerian federal lawmakers have taken a stand against the opposition leaders in Mozambique, led by Venâncio Mondlane, accusing them of sponsoring terrorism and orchestrating the destruction of public infrastructure in the name of political unrest. This move comes in response to the aftermath of Mozambique’s controversial October 9, 2024, elections, where allegations of fraud sparked widespread violence, claiming over 100 lives.

In an urgent petition sent to international organizations such as the European Union (EU), United Nations (UN), African Union (AU), and the U.S. government, the Nigerian lawmakers are seeking immediate intervention to prevent further escalation of the crisis. The petition, titled “Mozambique’s Crisis: The Role of Opposition in Fueling Chaos Requires Firm Global Action,” was addressed to key global leaders including Kaja Kallas of the EU, the U.S. President, the UN Secretary-General, and others.

Leading the petition, Hon. Peter Aniekwe and over 15 other federal lawmakers, including Hon. Lukman Mudashiru, Hon. Joshua Gana Audu, and Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi, condemned the Mozambique opposition’s actions and called for decisive measures from the international community to halt the violence and restore peace to the country.

The petition reads: “We write with deep concern over the escalating crisis in Mozambique, a nation now teetering on the edge of collapse due to the reckless actions of desperate politicians.” The petitioners outlined how Mondlane’s refusal to accept the October election results and his calls for mass protests have led to widespread destruction, including the death of over 130 people and the crippling of the country’s infrastructure.

The lawmakers traced the crisis to the fallout from the October 2024 elections, where Daniel Chapo of the ruling Frelimo party won decisively with 65% of the vote. Instead of accepting the results, Mondlane and his Podemos party ignited unrest, including calls for violent protests. The petition underscores that the situation is far from resolving, with Mondlane’s insistence on “installing himself as president” continuing to fuel tensions.

“What makes the current unrest particularly troubling,” the petition reads, “is the deliberate manner in which the opposition has incited violence. Mondlane’s inflammatory rhetoric and violent mobilization have targeted both public infrastructure and government officials, escalating the crisis.”

The petition also highlights the global consequences of the unrest, especially in terms of Mozambique’s role as a critical supplier of minerals like lithium and cobalt. Disruptions to trade and business activities, including the suspension of operations by companies like South32 Ltd., have further destabilized the region’s economy and threatened international supply chains for renewable energy technologies.

In response to the crisis, the Nigerian lawmakers have recommended a series of urgent measures. These include the imposition of targeted sanctions on Mondlane and other opposition leaders, supporting an ICC investigation into potential crimes against humanity, and assisting the Mozambican government in restoring order. The petition also calls for a dialogue between the government and opposition to address grievances within the framework of the law.

In closing, the petition urges the international community to act swiftly and decisively, stressing that Mozambique now stands as a critical test for global commitment to democracy and stability in Africa. By taking firm action, the international bodies can play a crucial role in helping Mozambique restore peace and protect the democratic progress the country has achieved over the years.