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Opening remarks  

Thank you, President,  

Following the elections of 9 October, the situation in Mozambique remains highly volatile and marked by violence and disorder.  

Before going deeper into the subject, let me salute the work and the efforts of Honourable Member Ballarin, as Chief Observer of the European Union Electoral Observation Mission, of Honourable López-Istúriz White, and of all the Members that were part of the European Parliament’s delegation in the mission to Mozambique. Your efforts and pertinent observations have been instrumental for us to follow the situation and give us a deeper understanding of the facts.  

Allow me to give a few indications about our general partnership with Mozambique, which is a very positive and far-reaching one, with considerable support when it comes to development, humanitarian aid, peacebuilding as well as security to tackle the Cabo Delgado insurgency.  

The European Union has contributed to providing security in the North of the country through the European Union Military Assistance Mission on the ground and the European Peace Facility. This support is essential to fight the insurgency and the risks of spill-over effects in the region, and ultimately to create possibilities for the return to a normal life for the local people.  

Thanks to our cooperation with Mozambique, we have established close relations with the Mozambican government. The European Union has become a valued partner, which can speak frankly and openly. And this is why, among trusted partners, we cannot remain silent in the current situation.  

Since the elections of 9 October, 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. We deplore the considerable number of fatalities over the past weeks. We also condemn the assassination of two opposition politicians on 19 October, and we demand clarity on the facts and a full investigation.  

In our public communications and numerous statements, the European Union’s messaging has been very clear: it is imperative for all sides to maintain restraint and orderly conduct. While it is important that everybody’s voice is heard, harsh rhetoric and the disproportionate use of force and violence from all sides should be avoided at all costs.  

I stress that the European Union and the Electoral Observation Mission are not taking any sides and only act on the basis of principles as an important partner and friend of Mozambique, solely in the interest of the Mozambican people. Their will has to be fully respected.  

It is important to reiterate this, as the electoral process is far from finished, as you know. We look forward to the final announcement of election results by the Constitutional Council.  

Until the final result, the European Union will remain vigilant that the people’s will is upheld and that human rights are respected. In the medium-term, we will strive for a conducive environment for democratic reforms and addressing the Electoral Observation Mission’s recommendations. We will work with Mozambique in the most constructive way and in full respect of the European Union’s interests and values.  

Thank you. 
 

Link to video: https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-264357 

Closing remarks  

Thank you President, and thank you Honourable Members for this very rich conversation tonight.  

This debate exemplifies the complexity of the current situation in Mozambique.  

We will have to wait for the final proceedings of the Constitutional Council and to have a new administration in place in order to be able to assess how to shape the future of our relations.  

Our longstanding and fruitful relation with Mozambique allows the European Union to have a credible voice. We can say to our Mozambican friends very clearly that the European Union demands reforms, answers to the desire of change by the youth, upholding democratic values and human rights, and maintaining the element of trust and good cooperation which is so important for the European Union-Mozambique relationship.  

Our intention is to continue supporting Mozambique and its people. We want to remain good friends and strong partners. We will continue engaging with Mozambique for the good of the Mozambican people, and to strengthen democratic institutions and civil liberties.   

The European Union’s intention is also to continue the “integrated approach” for Cabo Delgado with development, humanitarian aid, peacebuilding and security measures, and focus on the wellbeing of the people. 

Any kind or recalibration in our relationship, of course, will have to be assessed in light of the current and future events. And it is way too early to say this now, as I think you can all well understand. 

Thank you very much. 

Link to video: https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-264361