A week ago, the high commissioner of the Southern Africa Human Rights Lawyers Commission, Talent Rusere, gave an interview on SABC in which he stated that the organisation has video evidence of the involvement of the Zimbabwean state in the rigging of elections in Mozambique.
Over the past few weeks, Mozambique has been in the throes of post-election violence after disputed results of the general election that was held on October 9.
The ruling party, Frelimo, which has been in power since the country won independence from Portugal in 1975, was declared victorious in the election, winning more than 70% of the vote. However, these results have been disputed by opposition parties, international observers as well as some civil society groups, who contend that the election was rigged.
EU observers released a statement stating that there were irregularities in the election, noting that there was an “unjustified alteration” of some of the results, while opposition leaders have argued that they were subjected to violence by the defence and security forces that have helped maintained Frelimo’s stranglehold on power.
The argument that Frelimo won the election through the use of violence and intimidation may perhaps be defined in the brutal murder of Elvino Dias. Dias was the lawyer of the opposition presidential candidate, Venancio Mondlane, of the Podemos party.
Dias was shot multiple times while driving in the capital city, Maputo. He was seated alongside Paulo Guambe, a Podemos representative, who also suffered fatal gunshot wounds.
At the time of his horrific murder, Dias was preparing to submit a case to the Constitutional Court contesting early election results showing the ruling Frelimo party ahead in the polls. Since protests broke out, at least 34 people have been killed and numerous others injured.
Protests continue in parts of the country, particularly in Maputo. The violence prompted the South African government to close the Lebombo border post for a few days. Many Mozambicans had been trying to make their way into SA to escape the violence.
The border was reopened over the weekend. However, according to the Border Management Authority (BMA), this was to allow for the processing of Mozambicans who intend to return to Mozambique as well as South Africans who are returning. Cargo is also being allowed to pass between the two countries.
The statements by Rusere are deeply concerning and should not be swept under the carpet. This is especially the case given Zimbabwe’s history of election violence.
The Zanu-PF in Zimbabwe has ruled the country with a margin of terror for decades, with elections characterised by violence, intimidation and the disappearing of opposition leaders and activists. The Emmerson Mnangagwa regime has been accused of election rigging, with the 2018 election being disputed by opposition parties, civil society as well as international observers. Post-election violence led to the deaths of at least six people.
But more significant is that Zimbabwe has one of the most organised and extensive intelligence infrastructures on the continent, with its Central Intelligence Organisation having its tentacles across much of the continent, particularly in the Sadc region.
It is reported to focus much of its recruitment on universities in Zimbabwe as well as SA and other countries in the region. Opposition groups have also accused the organisation of being instrumental in the rigging of elections, as well as the disappearance of numerous individuals.
For this reason, if it’s true that the Zimbabwean state played a role in the rigging of elections in Mozambique, then the entire region is in serious trouble and cannot afford to sweep the issue under the carpet.
Sadc must facilitate an independent investigation into Rusere’s claims because the sovereignty of Mozambique could be compromised. Furthermore, it’s Mozambique today – who is next?
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