Pope Francis calls for dialogue following post-election protests in Mozambique

Pope Francis on Sunday, November 10 issued a heartfelt appeal for peace and dialogue in Mozambique, following post-election civil unrest.

“The news from Mozambique is worrying. I invite everyone to engage in dialogue, tolerance and the tireless search for just solutions. Let us pray for the entire Mozambican population, that the present situation does not cause them to lose faith in the path of democracy, justice and peace,” said Pope Francis after the Sunday Angelus.

The reported nationwide unrest led by mainly youth and young adults marks the largest revolt in Mozambique’s post-colonial history, with significant incidents in Maputo, Nampula, Niassa, Sofala, and Inhambane.

Pope Francis appeal aligns with the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) call for “authorities to address the causes of disgruntlement about the elections and to respect the will of the Mozambican people.”

Meanwhile, in a statement shared with the SACBC communication office, the South African Council of Churches (SACC) calls for a “united Christian intervention.”

In the Sunday, November 10 statement, SACC members call on Christian organizations and the broader faith community, in mobilizing support for Mozambique’s citizens. The SACC also commends the efforts of local and regional groups, such as the Salvation Army and other faith communities, who are providing relief at critical points, including near the Lebombo border with South Africa.

“The SACC encourages all churches especially those in close proximity to the Lebombo border post, to offer whatever level of humanitarian support they are able to in a collaborative way in the locality to the people in need,” reads the statement signed by the president Bishop Sithembele Anton Sipuka.

According to the statement, the SACC says it will join the planned “official Solidarity Visit to Mozambique, led by SACBC President, Bishop Sithembele Sipuka, who is also the current president of the SACC.”