The United States has called on Mozambican political stakeholders to refrain from violence following the endorsement of the October 9 disputed elections by the Constitutional Council on December 23.
The post-election impasse has heightened tensions in the country over the past two months, with various groups demanding transparency and fairness in the electoral process.
Monday’s proclamation of Daniel Chapo as Mozambique’s president-elect sparked further protests in the capital and other areas.
The US embassy in Maputo on Friday emphasised the importance of peaceful engagement by all the interested Mozambican parties to restore peace and foster unity in the country.
“The United States calls on all stakeholders to refrain from violence and engage in meaningful collaboration to restore peace and foster unity,” the embassy said in a statement.
It expressed concern over significant irregularities in the tabulation process and the lack of transparency throughout the election period as cited by civil society organisations, opposition political parties, the media and international observers.
The embassy also called on the Mozambican authorities to ensure that those responsible for human rights violations are held accountable for their actions, including members of the uniformed forces accused of killing of protesters and party officials since the post-election crisis began in October.
The US also called for serious electoral and institutional reforms to secure Mozambique’s future as a genuine multiparty democracy.
JN/APA