15 Nigeria federal lawmakers petitions against Mozambique opposition leaders for sponsoring terrorism

Keep up with the latest news and be part of our weekly giveaways and airtime sharing; follow our WhatsApp channel for more updates. Click to Follow us

Mozambique opposition leaders, led by Venâncio Mondlane, have been targeted by at least 15 federal MPs in Nigeria for allegedly supporting terrorism and destroying public property for political purposes.

It would be noted that, following the contentious October 9, 2024, elections, which were contested over charges of fraud, Mondlane and his lieutenants reportedly worsened the situation by promoting violence and civil disobedience, which culminated in the death of over 100 individuals.

With no end in sight, the 15 Nigerian lawmakers have petitioned the U.S. government, the African Union (AU), the European Union (EU), and the United Nations (UN) to intervene in the political crisis endangering African democracy.

Titled “Mozambique’s Crisis: The Role of Opposition in Fueling Chaos Requires Firm Global Action,” the petition is sent to the U.S. President, U.S. Secretary of State, U.S. Congress, British Prime Minister, U.N. Secretary-General, U.S. Secretary for African Affairs, AU Commission, International Criminal Court (ICC), and Kaja Kallas, Vice-President of the European Commission and High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security.

Along with more than 15 other federal lawmakers, including Hon. Lukman Mudashiru, Hon. Joshua Gana Audu, Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi, Hon. Mathew Nwaogu, Hon. Idu Emeka, Hon. Mustapha Aliyu, Hon. Adepoju Anthony, Hon. Paul Gowan, Hon. Umar Yabo Yusuf, Hon. Afam Ogene, Hon. Gwacham Maureen, Hon. Sunday Umeahia, Hon. Chimaobi Atu, and Hon. Ngozi Okoli, among others, the lawmakers led by Hon. Peter Aniekwe signed the petition. They called for swift EU intervention to break the deadlock and return things to normal in Mozambique, denouncing the opposition’s use of brutal violence and devastation that has killed over 100 people.

The petition reads: “We write to you with deep concern over the escalating crisis in Mozambique, a nation that now teeters on the brink of total collapse due to the reckless actions of desperate politicians.

“The fallout from the October 2024 presidential election, which saw Daniel Chapo of the Frelimo party decisively elected with 65% of the vote, has been exploited by Venâncio Mondlane to incite violence and destabilize the country.

“The Constitutional Council’s December 23 ruling, which affirmed the election’s legitimacy, should have marked the end of this contest. Instead, it has become a flashpoint for unrest orchestrated by Podemos, Mondlane’s party.”

“The opposition’s refusal to accept the outcome and its subsequent calls for bloody mass protests have spiraled into widespread violence. Over 130 lives have been lost, with property and infrastructure destroyed, leaving Mozambique’s economy — already battered by Cyclone Chido — facing further devastation.”

Tracing the historical context and legacy of instability, the petitioners stated:

“Mozambique’s political history has been marked by a struggle to consolidate peace and democracy following the civil war that ended in 1992. The Frelimo party, which has governed since independence, has faced repeated challenges from opposition groups.

“While disagreements and disputes have been part of the democratic process, Mondlane’s refusal to use legal mechanisms to address grievances represents a dangerous departure from democratic norms. This is not the first time opposition forces have rejected election results in Mozambique, but the scale and intensity of the violence today are unprecedented.

“Mondlane’s declaration that he intends to install himself as president on January 15 is a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked political ambition. His rhetoric and actions set a precedent that risks undermining the fragile democratic institutions that Mozambique has worked so hard to build.”

On the role of the opposition in instigating violence, the petitioners stated:

“What makes the current unrest particularly troubling is the deliberate manner in which the opposition has incited violence. Mondlane has leveraged widespread discontent, particularly among young Mozambicans, to mobilize protests that quickly escalated into riots.

“Public infrastructure, businesses, and even government facilities have been targeted, with reports of arson, looting, and attacks on state officials. The opposition’s actions are not only reckless but calculated.

“Mondlane’s repeated calls for his supporters to ‘bring the government to its knees’ have emboldened extremist elements within his party. This is not the behavior of a democratic leader seeking reform — it is the behavior of a politician willing to sacrifice the nation’s stability for personal gain.”

Highlighting the economic and global implications of the crisis, the lawmakers stated:

“Mozambique’s position as a key supplier of critical minerals, including lithium and cobalt, amplifies the global significance of this crisis.

“Multinational corporations like South32 Ltd. have already suspended operations, and trade corridors with neighboring South Africa have faced closures. These disruptions threaten global supply chains for renewable energy technologies and electric vehicles.

“The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has downgraded Mozambique’s growth forecast for 2024, citing political instability as a primary driver. This economic downturn will further impoverish a population already reeling from natural disasters and inequality.”

The lawmakers recommended the following steps:

“Given the severity of the crisis, we urge the European Union, all global bodies, and leaders to take immediate and decisive steps to hold the Venâncio-led opposition accountable:

Impose targeted sanctions on Venâncio Mondlane and other opposition leaders responsible for inciting violence.

Support an ICC investigation into potential crimes against humanity linked to the opposition-led unrest.

Assist the Mozambican government in restoring order, including technical support to strengthen institutions and promote peace.

Encourage dialogue between the government and opposition to address legitimate grievances within the bounds of the law.”

​The petition concludes by stating: “The European Union, UN, USA, and other global bodies have long championed democracy and stability in Africa. Mozambique now stands as a test of the international community’s commitment to these principles. By taking swift and meaningful action, the international community can help restore peace and safeguard the democratic progress Mozambique has achieved over the decades.”

Please don’t forget to “Allow the notification” so you will be the first to get our gist when we publish it. 
Drop your comment in the section below, and don’t forget to share the post.