from ARMANDO DOMINGOS in Maputo, Mozambique
Mozambique Bureau
MAPUTO, (CAJ News) – MORE than 85 percent of Mozambicans that fled the post election violence to neighbouring nations have been repatriated to their country.
According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) a total of 7 745 had returned, out of 9 021 that had fled to Eswatini and Malawi.
A majority (7 904) had fled to Malawi, in the northwest. Of these 7 076 have returned home, including 6 410 repatriated from Nsanje and Mulanje districts and 666 who self-repatriated from Dedza and Chikwawa districts.
Some 1 104 had sought asylum in Eswatini, the southern neighbour, from where 701 have been repatriated.
All four that fled to Zimbabwe in the east have not returned, according to UNHCR.
The agency believes this mirrors the improving political situation after the ruling Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (FRELIMO) signed a deal, along with the country’s main political and non-parliamentary parties, setting the framework for state reforms as part of ongoing political dialogue to resolve the post-election crisis.
The European Union (EU) reaffirmed its commitment to supporting government reforms during a meeting with the Executive Coordinator of the Government’s Office of Reforms and Strategic Projects (GREP).
However, there are pockets of protests by supporters of Venancio Mondlane, who was placed second in the October elections.
Daniel Chapo was announced the winner but his challengers claimed elections were rigged.
– CAJ News