CIVICUS discusses the regional implications of post-election protests in Mozambique with human rights defender and political activist Brisky Fanuel Ncube.

Protests that erupted in Mozambique over alleged fraud in the 9 October election show no signs of abating. The government crackdown and subsequent riots have left dozens dead, over a hundred injured and thousands arrested. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has been criticised for its slow response and was urged to prioritise human rights as it held an emergency summit on 20 November to review the regional security situation. The African Union has also been asked to investigate rights abuses against protesters.

What has been SADC’s response to the Mozambican crisis?

As part of a wider pattern of inaction, SADC did not take a strong or clear position on the situation in Mozambique. Although some attention was paid by the SADC news desk, the response lacked urgency and depth.

SADC’s failure to address the growing crisis could lead to further suffering and loss of life. With over 30 people reported dead and many more arrested, the regional body’s silence has been deafening. Its response, or lack of response, demonstrates its inability to effectively address human rights abuses and regional instability.

In the past, SADC has been criticised for failing to act decisively in moments of crisis. In 2018, it was conspicuously silent on Zimbabwe until a commission of inquiry was eventually established – and the recommendations of this inquiry were never fully implemented. This reluctance to intervene may stem from the tendency of nationalist and revolutionary parties in the region to support each other no matter how severe their rights violations are.

Unsurprisingly, SADC is unlikely to take bold steps to address the crisis in Mozambique. Lack of meaningful action contributes to a sense of helplessness, with people increasingly turning to protests as their last resort. I hope people continue to exercise their right to peaceful protest and freedom of expression, but without a stronger regional response the situation may continue to get worse.

Could the unrest in Mozambique spread to other countries in the region?

The tensions in Mozambique have already had impact beyond its borders. Zimbabwe, which shares borders and has historical ties with Mozambique, is particularly vulnerable to spillover effects. Its role as the current SADC chair adds an extra layer of complexity.

There have been allegations of Zimbabwean interference in Mozambique’s election, including by members of Zimbabwe’s ruling ZANU-PF party, which allowed Zimbabwean citizens to vote illegally in the Mozambican election to favour the candidate of FRELIMO, Mozambique’s ruling party.

The crisis in Mozambique also highlights a growing regional trend of ruling parties responding to dissent with violence. Many countries in the region are ruled by revolutionary or nationalist parties that have a history of restricting the opposition and resorting to violence when people demand their rights or express disapproval of the government. In Zimbabwe, protests following election disputes in 2018 were met with live ammunition, resulting in deaths. This pattern seems to be spreading across southern Africa.

But the impact is not limited to political dynamics. Situations such as the reported targeting of a Zimbabwean truck driver during protests highlight the direct economic and social repercussions of the protests on cross-border communities. If left unchecked, instability could further weaken regional cooperation and endanger vulnerable communities across borders. Excluded groups, particularly women and children, could be most affected, including through increased insecurity and reduced access to resources.

Should the situation continue as it is now, with protests continuing and with no clear response from the government or any other institution, we might see an influx of displaced people becoming refugees in neighbouring countries.

Mozambique is a cautionary tale. There is still hope that peaceful transitions can take place, but the growing pattern of human rights abuses and political violence suggests that much more needs to be done to prevent further instability.

What can other SADC states learn from the Mozambican election?

A key lesson is the importance of adopting transparent and fair electoral management systems, as seen in Botswana and South Africa. These countries conducted their elections in an open, inclusive and accountable manner, ensuring that all voices were heard.

Governments must recognise the need for independent electoral management bodies. These bodies should operate without interference from the executive or ruling parties and ensure that elections are free and fair. In countries with a history of liberation movements, it’s crucial to create space for the younger generation to participate in the electoral process and exercise their democratic rights without intimidation or manipulation.

To strengthen democratic processes, governments must foster an environment where people can freely express their views. They must also respect the popular will, whether expressed through voting or peaceful protest. People have every right to challenge electoral irregularities without fear of reprisal. This is essential for building lasting democratic institutions.

The crisis in Mozambique underscores the need to reform electoral processes to ensure the independence of electoral bodies, allow for free and fair participation and embrace technological advances that can play a major role in exposing abuses of power and vote rigging. In this way, the region can move towards a future where elections are free from violence, intimidation and human rights abuses.

This is also a lesson on the rise of alternative democratic voices, with people standing up for their rights against suppression by governments. It shows the key role of people power against systemic electoral fraud and can become an inspiration and building block for claiming the space for people’s rights in neighbouring countries.