LUCSA Message of Solidarity with the People of Mozambique

Bonaero Park — LUCSA foremostly condemns the violence that has erupted since the election results on the 9 October 2024 polls. We also send out our heartfelt condolences to those who have lost their families due to the police crack-down.  For those who have become internal refugees in their own country, by being displaced because of the violence, we call upon the SADC chairperson, the Honourable Emmerson Mnangagwa, to ensure that humanitarian aid is accessible for the Mozambiquan people.

DIACONIC & HUMANETERIAN RESPONSIBILITY

Our member church in Mozambique, the IELM (Igreja Evangélica Luterana do Mocambique) and citizens have been cut off, from international contact by the FRELIMO government. The closure of the Lebombo border gate between Mozambique and RSA is also exacerbating the situation in Mozambique.

We therefore call on our member churches to pray for the situation in Mozambique to return to normal. And as we monitor the situation, we might need your support in assisting to mitigate against a worsening humanitarian crisis.

Finally, we implore our political leaders, to allow for fair and transparent election processes. And to accept the polls as a voice of the people. The time to  contest elections and violently seek to subdue different voices and opinions is gone as we so admirably learn from the election process in Botswana!

Note to editors

The Lutheran Communion in Southern Africa (LUCSA) is a communion and fellowship of 15 autonomous and independent Lutheran churches active in 10 countries within the Southern African region. As a faith-based and non-profit organization, LUCSA is a platform for mutual accompaniment among its member churches to collectively respond to the spiritual, social, economic, and political challenges and needs faced in the region. LUCSA understands itself and functions as a sub-regional expression of the Lutheran Communion in Africa (LUCA), the African Regional Communion of the Lutheran World Federation (https://lutheranworld.org/).

For more information, press only:

Executive Director: Rev L Kasper

+27 11 979 7142 (office hours)

information@lucsa.org