Statement by the Southern Africa Migration Network (SAMIN) on the Post-Election
Violence in Mozambique
The Southern Africa Migration Network (SAMIN) expresses deep concern and condemnation over the
ongoing post-election violence in Mozambique, which has already claimed the lives of more than 250
people resulted in the looting of thousands of goods and causing extensive destruction of
infrastructure. The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has confirmed that more than 2000
people had fled Mozambique into Malawi while another 1 000 had fled to the Kingdom of Eswatini as a
result of the unrest.
This crisis is deeply troubling, especially in a year when the Southern African Development Community
(SADC) celebrated some successful elections, including in South Africa, Botswana, and recently in
Namibia. These elections showcased examples of peaceful transitions of power, as seen in Botswana, and some strides in inclusive representation, such as the election of Her Excellency Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as the first elected female Head of State in the region.
As discussed during SAMIN’s recent policy conference on Migration in Johannesburg in December
2024, which focused on “Strengthening Migration Governance and Policy in the SADC Region:
Advancing National Advocacy,” governance and election credibility are central to preventing conflict
and managing migration effectively. Theconference recognizedd that poorly conducted elections and
unresolved governance deficits fuel political instability and drive forced migration, creating
humanitarian crises across borders. The unfolding events in Mozambique are a tragic illustration of this
reality.
SAMIN is particularly concerned that the failure to resolve this crisis could have far-reaching
consequences. The ongoing violence risks derailing progress in restoring peace in Cabo Delgado,
which would, in turn, threaten the stability of the entire Southern African region. Additionally, this conflict
will likely exacerbate forced migration, creating a humanitarian crisis that could further strain
neighboring countries and regional resources.
Chairperson of the SAMIN Steering Committee and also Executive Director of Churches Action in Relief
and Development (CARD) in Malawi, Melton Luhanga states:
“This violence in Mozambique is a stark reminder of the urgent need for credible elections and accountable governance in our region. SADC and the African Union must act decisively to
ensure peace and stability. Mozambique’s future, and indeed the region’s, depends on
our collective ability to uphold democratic principles and prioritize the lives and dignity of our
people.”
SAMIN welcomes the Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Organ Troika
that took place on 05 January 2025 to discuss the Post-Election Political and Security Situation in the
Republic of Mozambique; we welcome the Summit’s decision to mandate the SADC Panel of Elders,
supported by the MCO Troika (Malawi, Zambia, and Tanzania) and the SADC Secretariat, to engage
with Mozambique’s government and opposition on the post-election environment and report to the
Organ Chairperson by 15 January 2025.
We urge all political leaders and stakeholders in Mozambique to seize this moment to de-escalate
tensions and address the ongoing conflict through meaningful dialogue, legal redress, and peaceful
negotiations. Violence is never the solution and jeopardizes the shared future of all Mozambicans.
SAMIN urges SADC and the African Union to take decisive action to support Mozambique in restoring
peace and addressing governance gaps that have contributed to this crisis. We remain committed to
advocating for the rights of refugees and migrants and to promoting the principles of peace, security,
and regional integration in alignment with SADC’s goals.
We call on the SADC community, humanitarian actors, and international partners to mobilize resources
and provide immediate assistance to those displaced by this conflict, both internally and across
borders.
This moment calls for bold, collective efforts to uphold democracy, foster stability, and address the
immediate and long-term consequences of this conflict, including forced migration.
Issued by:
The Southern Africa Migration Network (SAMIN)
secretariat@samin.org.za
Date: 08 January 2025
Cell: Secretariat +27846875946; +27836872282