South Africa calls for calm in Mozambique
The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, has called for urgent dialogue between all parties in Mozambique after the country's Constitutional Council finalised the election results, leading to violent disruptive protests.
On Monday the highest court in the country confirmed that Frelimo, in power since 1975, won the October 9 presidential election that had already triggered weeks of unrest.
Monday's confirmation of the election result came despite claims of irregularities from many observers.
Frelimo leader Daniel Chapo won 65.17% of the vote, about five points less than the initial results declared by the country's electoral commission.
Chapo's main challenger, exiled opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, has claimed the election was rigged, sparking fears of violence between rival party supporters.
The unrest has claimed the lives of at least 150 people, according to several NGO reports.
"South Africa calls on all parties to commit to an urgent dialogue that will heal the country and set it on a new political and developmental trajectory," said Lamola.
"Furthermore, South Africa is ready to assist Mozambique in any manner to facilitate this dialogue."
Earlier this month, Lamola led a delegation of South African ministers and leaders of relevant agencies in a meeting with representatives of the Mozambican government.
The two sides discussed measures to curb the disruptions between the two countries, including travel through the Lebombo border in Mpumalanga.
"The South African government will continue working with SADC [the South African Development Community] and other multilateral agencies in supporting a lasting solution to the current impasse. South Africa calls on all parties to exercise restraint and calm."
Additonal reporting by AFP
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