The leader of the opposition in Mozambique Venancio Mondlane has called on people to stop the looting and destruction of property. This comes as businesses are facing mounting challenges in the country amid weeks of protests against the October election results, which declared the governing Frelimo party the winner.

Frelimo has been in power in Mozambique since 1975.

Mondlane, who is currently in Europe, made the appeal after heavy criticism from business owners that the protests had not been peaceful.

“Do not allow them to manipulate your minds. They want to manipulate your minds so that you believe that our fight is against private property! The private sector is our ally! We are not against the private sector,” says Mondlane.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres has also called for calm in Mozambique.

UN Associate Spokesperson to the Secretary-General, Stephanie Tremblay says Guterres is following developments.

“The Secretary-General is concerned about the post-election violence which has resulted in loss of life and the destruction of public and private property. He urges all political leaders and relevant national stakeholders to defuse tensions including through meaningful dialogue legal redress refrain from the use of violence and redouble efforts to seek a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis and constructive manner which is essential to the collective future of Mozambicans,” says Tremblay.

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