Lusophone African countries condemn attacks againt democracy in Brazil

The Jan. 8 storming of the Three Powers Plaza caused reactions

Originally published on Global Voices

The recent storming of Brazil's Three Powers Plaza in protest of the peaceful transfer of power sparked condemnation from many leaders in Lusophone Africa, but it also ignited a debate about these countries’ own democratic challenges.

Jan. 8, 2023 will forever be marked as an infamous day in Brazilian democracy. The attack on the three powers (Judiciary, Executive and Legislative) was led by supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro, who, because they did not accept the results of the 2022 election, decided to invade the institutions that guarantee democratic functioning in Brazil.

On the side of the Lusophone African countries, the event caused different reactions, from political leaders and ordinary citizens. Most of them were comments condemning the anti-democratic act in Brazil, as highlighted by the President of Angola, João Lourenço, through a statement issued by the Angolan Presidency in an official note:

Consideramos estas manifestações lamentáveis e reveladoras de um elevado grau de intolerância não compatível com as regras do jogo democrático.

We find these demonstrations regrettable and indicative of a high degree of intolerance not compatible with the rules of the democratic game.

The same solidarity came from another country that is a friend of Brazil, in this case, Cape Verde, which through its President stated:

Condeno veementemente os atos violentos antidemocráticos e manifesto a minha solidariedade e apoio ao Presidente Lula da Silva e às autoridades legítimas da República Federativa do Brasil.

I strongly condemn the anti-democratic violent acts and express my solidarity and support to President Lula da Silva and the legitimate authorities of the Federative Republic of Brazil.

From Mozambique, President Filipe Nyusi commented condemning the anti-democratic acts. He also stressed the need for the country to return to normalcy as soon as possible:

However, the reactions to the Mozambican President's publication took on other proportions, with internet users, especially on Facebook, questioning the current situation in Mozambique. Júlio Mutisse, political member of ruling Frelimo party, said:

E aqui Camarada Presidente não se indigna pela violação dos princípios democráticos quando só a FRELIMO se pode manifestar porque todos demais são negados (mesmo com todos sinais de manifestação pacífica e por causas entendíveis [sic]).

S. Excia tem que ser garante da Democracia aqui e defende-la a todo o custo. É para mim contraproducente quando se indigna com fenómenos longínquos atentados [contra] a democracia e se cala aqui. Afinal é nosso Presidente e garante da Constituição, ou não?

And here Comrade President is not outraged by the violation of democratic principles when only FRELIMO can demonstrate because all others are denied (even with all signs of peaceful demonstration and for understandable causes [sic]).

Your Excellency must be the guarantor of democracy here and defend it at all costs. It is counterproductive for me when you get indignant about distant phenomena that are attacks [against] democracy and remain silent here. After all, you are our President and guarantor of the Constitution, aren't you?

C'est avec préoccupation que nous suivons les événements se passant à Brasilia. Condamnant l'usage de la violence contre la Présidence du #Bresil, le Congrès et la Cour Suprême, nous en appelons au respect de la démocratie et des institutions qui symbolisent la démocratie.

— Umaro Sissoco Embaló (@USEmbalo) January 8, 2023

It is with concern that we follow the events in Brasilia. Condemning the use of violence against the Presidency of #Brazil, the Congress and the Supreme Court, we call for respect for democracy and the institutions that symbolise democracy.

Written by Global Voices Lusofonia Translated by Dércio Tsandzana · View original post [pt]