Solidarity with the People of Mozambique during this political turmoil
The World March of Women stands in unwavering solidarity with the WMW Mozambique during this time of political unrest and turmoil. We extend our support to all Mozambican women, peasant communities, and grassroots movements who continue to fight for justice, peace, and dignity.
In the face of increasing instability, violence, and economic hardship, we recognize the strength and resilience of women who are at the forefront of demanding democracy, human rights, and an end to exploitation and electoral fraud. Particularly saddened by the ongoing political assassinations including the untimely death of the lawyer of the opposition Venancio Mondlane who was brutally executed with 25 bullets and many other unreported deaths. We are deeply concerned about the impact of this political unrest that has led to the total shutdown in the country, because the most vulnerable sectors of society, especially women and children continue to suffer the consequences. We condemn in the strongest term possible any form of repression or violence targeting these communities.
As an international grassroots feminist movement, we reaffirm our commitment to standing alongside the people of Mozambique, amplifying their voices, and calling on the international community to take immediate action to address the root causes of this crisis. We demand an end to violence and the opening of democratic spaces where the people of Mozambique can freely express their political will and aspirations for a just and peaceful society.
Considering the political unrest in Mozambique, the international community and the African Union (AU) can play a crucial role in fostering peace, democracy, and stability. Therefore we:
1. Call for Immediate Ceasefire and End to Violence: We demand an end to all forms of political violence and hostilities from all parties involved, prioritizing the protection of civilians, particularly women, children, and marginalized communities.
2. Support Democratic Processes: We advocate for a transparent, inclusive, and truly democratic political process that allows Mozambican citizens to freely express their political will through credible elections and urge the international and African observers to monitor, address, and make public the findings of the political activities, especially elections, to ensure they are free from manipulation and intimidation. We also demand protection for women and children, especially against gender-based violence and exploitation, which tend to escalate during periods of unrest.
3. Demand Accountability from the FRELIMO party for Human Rights Violations and Press for independent investigations into all reported and unreported human rights abuses, including violence against women, arbitrary detentions, and suppression of peaceful protesters. accountability mechanisms that ensure those responsible for violations should be held accountable for their actions.
4. Promote Long-term Peace and Reconciliation -encouraging the establishment of a national dialogue that involves civil society, including grassroots feminist movements, and women’s groups, to address the root causes of the conflict, such as inequality, economic marginalization, and corruption.
5. Demand that any peace process includes women’s voices and ensures gender-sensitive reforms that empower women politically and economically.
We call on global feminists and our allied social movements to unite in solidarity with Mozambican people, advocating for peace, gender equality, and justice in the face of adversity. Together, we march forward for a world where women’s rights and the rights of all people are upheld and protected.
We resist to live; we march to transform!
World March of Women