Mozambique’s leadership has signaled a clear preference for a peaceful path to resolving the conflict in Ukraine. President Filipe Nyusi has reiterated that Mozambican authorities support negotiations and diplomacy as the best means to reach a lasting settlement, underscoring the importance of dialogue among involved parties.
In a public briefing, the Mozambican Minister of Public Works, Housing and Water Resources, Carlos Mesquita, echoed the president’s stance. He noted that Mozambique favors direct talks and a peaceful resolution to the Ukrainian crisis, aligning with recent initiatives aimed at de-escalation and dialogue. The minister stressed that constructive engagement is essential to preventing further human suffering and to stabilizing regional and global markets affected by the conflict.
The statements by Mozambique’s minister followed a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who has been traveling across Africa to discuss mutual interests and regional security. Lavrov’s current tour has included stops in several African nations, including Mozambique, Kenya and Burundi, as part of broader diplomatic outreach. This visit occurs against a backdrop of growing cooperation discussions between Moscow and African governments on issues ranging from security to development partnerships.
Earlier reports indicated that Nyusi might visit Russia in the middle of the year. The Mozambican president’s presence in Saint Petersburg has been connected to the Russia-Africa summit, an event that has drawn leaders from across the continent to engage with Russian officials on trade, investment and regional integration. The visit to Saint Petersburg is viewed in Maputo as an opportunity to reinforce Mozambique’s international ties while supporting dialogue that could contribute to a peaceful international order. This development highlights Mozambique’s ongoing role in regional diplomacy and its interest in balancing relations with major powers while prioritizing peaceful solutions to global tensions. [Citation: Foreign affairs briefing, regional press coverage]”