Mozambique president congratulates Mnangagwa on his disputed re-election

By Staff Reporter

MOZAMBIQUE’s president Filipe Nyusi has become the latest regional leader to congratulate Zimbabwean counterpart Emmerson Mnangagwa on his bitterly disputed re-election in a vote described as flawed by international observers.

In his message, President Nyusi lauded Mnangagwa “for the opportunity to lead (the people of Zimbabwe) towards achieving their aspirations for progress.

“Your choice in highly competitive elections highlights the trust placed in you by the majority of voters to continue leading the Zimbabwean nation towards the social-economic development and wellbeing of the people of Zimbabwe.

He added; “While I wish you success in carrying out your noble duties as president of the republic of Zimbabwe, I would like to assure you of my commitment to working with (you) to deepen the bonds of brotherhood and cooperation between our two countries and people’s as well as in SADC, the African Union and the United Nations.”

Mnangagwa had secured roughly 53% of the vote, with opposition CCC leader Nelson Chamisa coming second on 44%.

Chamisa has however, rejected the results with his party demanding a fresh vote and calling nationwide protests set to begin Friday to press for a re-run.

The opposition leader was bolstered by preliminary reports from international observers, including the SADC mission, which described the vote as flawed despite being peaceful.

Even so, other regional leaders, including South Africa and Namibia, have since congratulated Mnangagwa with similar moves also coming from key global partners such as China and Russia.