On Tuesday 26 November, MEPs debated with the European Commissioner for Equality, Helena Dalli, the situation in Mozambique, where persistent violence has shaken the country since the presidential elections on 9 October. EU observers had noted “unjustified alterations to the results” during the vote counting process (see EUROPE 13509/28).
“We are witnessing a worrying spread of violence, looting, vandalism and desperation. The brutality of the repression from the state apparatus and the police has exacerbated the situation”, deplored Ms Dalli, condemning the assassination of two opposition politicians on 19 October (see EUROPE 13508/26). “We demand clarity on the facts and a full investigation”, she stressed.
The Commissioner reiterated the EU’s call for restraint (see EUROPE 13526/27) pending a final announcement of the election results.
MEP Hélder Sousa Silva (EPP, Portuguese), who took part in an European Parliament observation mission, spoke of his concerns about the tensions. “Violence is the watchword, a failure of the Rule of law”, he declared, advocating a return to peace for the Mozambican people.
On the left of the Chamber, Francisco Assis (S&D, Portuguese) said it was necessary to provide an “international response to the Islamic terrorism that has been affecting the country for eight years”. “We must launch independent investigations (...) and identify the direct and indirect perpetrators of these political assassinations”, he added. (Original version in French by Bernard Denuit)