Mozambique Bar Association Calls for Emergency State Council Meeting to Defuse Tensions
The Mozambique Bar Association (OAM), a key advocate for democratic rule of law, voiced deep concern today over the country’s ongoing political and social crisis, marked by persistent protests against the election results. The OAM stressed the urgent need for a State Council meeting to facilitate dialogue and seek peaceful solutions.
In a press conference, OAM President Carlos Martins called on President Filipe Nyusi to convene the State Council, which he believes could play a crucial role in addressing the escalating violence.
“As we all know, tomorrow, the 7th, is set to be the climax of the third wave of protests headed toward Maputo, and there are warnings that it could result in bloodshed,” Martins cautioned, urging restraint and highlighting the risks of further violence.
Martins emphasized the importance of national political forces seeking common ground to avoid bloodshed, pressing the government to engage in open and genuine dialogue with all social sectors. “It’s crucial to understand that, at this stage, it’s absolutely necessary to establish channels of dialogue across society. The neighbourhoods are highly agitated right now,” he noted.
The OAM also expressed mistrust in the country’s electoral institutions, such as the National Election Commission (CNE) and the Constitutional Council (CC), stating that these bodies have lost credibility due to recent events in the municipal and general elections. The Bar Association called for these institutions to ensure justice in the electoral process to restore trust and stability during this critical time for Mozambique.
