Southern African Catholic Bishops emphasize peaceful dialogue during Mozambique solidarity visit

The Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) recently concluded a meaningful solidarity visit to Mozambique, emphasizing the Church’s commitment to fostering dialogue and peace in the region.

Led by Bishop Sithembele Anton Sipuka, the delegation met with the Catholic Bishops of Mozambique at the close of their plenary session, where concerns about the recent election and reports of irregularities were raised.

Despite these challenges, the Mozambican Bishops called on citizens to prioritize peaceful expressions of dissent, reaffirming the Church’s role as a champion of non-violence and dialogue.

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The visit, which included representatives from the South African Council of Churches (SACC), highlighted the urgency of engaging all stakeholders in Mozambique to address political tensions constructively.

Meetings with the Deputy Minister of Justice and the South African Embassy underscored the importance of dialogue as the most viable path forward.

Although the delegation could not meet with political parties or civil society groups due to time constraints, Bishop Sipuka noted the heightened sense of urgency created by the visit.

Efforts to involve the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and other key players were emphasized as critical next steps.

As a sign of hope and unity, the Mozambican Bishops announced a National Day of Prayer for Peace on November 24, the feast day of Christ the King. This day aims to bring the nation together in prayerful solidarity for a peaceful future.

The SACBC and SACC pledged continued support, maintaining communication with the Mozambican Church and exploring further ways to assist in peacebuilding efforts.

The SACC also urged the South African government to encourage political stakeholders in Mozambique to prioritize the well-being of the people above narrow political interests.