Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Southern African Development Community (SADC) Chairperson and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa met with Mozambican President Daniel Chapo in Addis Ababa over the weekend, a meeting that has reignited discussions about Zimbabwe’s role in Mozambique’s disputed October 9 elections.

The meeting, described as a courtesy call, comes amid growing concerns over Mnangagwa’s involvement in assisting Mozambique’s ruling Frelimo party in what opposition groups and observers have called a “blatantly rigged” electoral process.

The October elections, which saw Frelimo maintain its grip on power, were marred by allegations of voter suppression, ballot stuffing, and intimidation of opposition candidates and activists.

A Rigged Election?

Mozambique’s October 9 elections saw President Daniel Chapo’s Frelimo party retain control in a manner reminiscent of past elections, where opposition parties have struggled against state-sponsored repression. Reports from independent observers, opposition parties, and international watchdogs detailed widespread electoral fraud, including irregularities invoter registration, restricted access for opposition campaigns, and vote tally manipulation in favor of Frelimo.

Opposition party Renamo accused the government of deploying state security forces to intimidate voters and suppress dissenting voices, with some polling stations in opposition strongholds reportedly being shut down or manipulated to ensure a Frelimo victory.

Mnangagwa’s Hand in Mozambique’s Electoral Manipulations

President Mnangagwa’s involvement in Mozambique’s electoral process has been a subject of intense scrutiny.Zimbabwe, under Mnangagwa, has become a key player in sustaining autocratic regimes across Southern Africa, using tactics refined over decades under Zanu PF rule.

In the lead-up to Mozambique’s elections, intelligence sources reported that Mnangagwa’s government provided strategic support to Frelimo, drawing from Zimbabwe’s own playbook of electoral manipulation. This included:

• Security and Intelligence Support: Zimbabwe’s security apparatus reportedly provided tactical guidance to Frelimo’s election strategy, including crowd control measures and suppression tactics to weaken opposition movements.
• Media and Propaganda Assistance: Zimbabwean state media operatives were allegedly involved in providing training to Mozambican state broadcasters, ensuring that pro-Frelimo narratives dominated the airwaves while opposition parties were sidelined.
• Electoral Commission Manipulation: Just as in Zimbabwe’s own elections, Mnangagwa’s administration reportedly advised on how to infiltrate and control Mozambique’s electoral commission, ensuring a favorableoutcome for Frelimo.

SADC’s Complicity in Electoral Fraud

Mnangagwa’s role as SADC Chairperson has added another layer of complexity to the region’s political dynamics. His leadership has been marked by a reluctance to condemn fraudulent elections, instead working to legitimize disputed electoral processes to protect the status quo.

During Zimbabwe’s own disputed 2023 elections, Mnangagwa faced allegations of rigging and suppressing opposition leader Nelson Chamisa’s Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC). Despite reports of electoral malpractice from the SADC Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM), Mnangagwa dismissed the concerns and continued his rule unchallenged.

The same approach appears to be unfolding in Mozambique, with Mnangagwa using his influence as SADC Chair to shield Frelimo from scrutiny. SADC’s official reports on the Mozambican elections have been notably muted, avoiding strong condemnation despite overwhelming evidence of fraud.

Regional Implications and the Future of Democracy

The meeting between Mnangagwa and Chapo in Addis Ababa symbolizes the deepening alliance between autocratic leaders in Southern Africa. By backing each other in rigged elections, leaders like Mnangagwa and Chapo are effectively eroding democratic processes in the region, making it increasingly difficult for opposition parties to compete on a level playing field.

For Mozambique, the aftermath of the October 9 elections remains uncertain, with opposition groups vowing to challenge the results through legal and political means. However, with Mnangagwa and SADC’s backing, Frelimo’s grip on power appears secure for now.

As Zimbabwe continues to play a pivotal role in propping up authoritarian regimes across the region, the question remains: How long can the people of Southern Africa endure a cycle of rigged elections, state repression, and democratic backsliding before a real change takes place?

For now, Mnangagwa’s meeting with Chapo in Addis Ababa serves as yet another reminder that the region’s leaders are more invested in preserving their power than upholding the democratic values they claim to represent.