WASHINGTON
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern about the unrest in Mozambique, his associate spokesperson said Thursday.
“The Secretary-General is concerned about the post-election violence, which has resulted in loss of lives and the destruction of public and private property,” Stephanie Tremblay told reporters.
Guterres continues to follow developments closely, Tremblay said.
“He urges all political leaders and relevant national stakeholders to defuse tensions, including through meaningful dialogue and legal redress, refrain from the use of violence, and redouble efforts to seek a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis in a constructive manner, which is essential to the collective future of Mozambicans,” she added.
Violent protests have rocked Mozambique since presidential polls were held on Oct. 9, resulting in the deaths of 248 people, including 33 in a prison break on Wednesday, according to Plataforma Decide, an election monitoring group.
More than 1,500 inmates fled Maputo Central Prison in Matola, located about 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) from the capital Maputo, where police reported the casualties.
Protests started in late October after Daniel Chapo of the ruling Mozambique Liberation Front (Frelimo) was declared the winner of the presidential polls, defeating main opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, who is in exile.
Mondlane has rejected the results, claiming widespread vote rigging and calling on his supporters to protest. He has vowed to install himself as president on Jan. 15.
