Mozambique’s opposition leader, Venancio Mondlane, announced on Sunday that demonstrations against the outcome of the October 8 presidential election would be suspended for a week. This decision aims to allow humanitarian organizations and international bodies to assess the state of human rights in the country. In a Facebook broadcast, Mondlane declared a five-day reprieve to facilitate the entry of regional actors into Mozambique, as reported by the Club of Mozambique.

Mondlane mentioned that a group of former heads of state from southern Africa has expressed interest in mediating an end to the ongoing political impasse. The situation has drawn attention from neighboring countries, with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa dispatching his national security advisor to Maputo amid escalating unrest.

South Africa shares a border with Mozambique and has significant investments in various sectors, including mining, energy, and construction. In November, South African authorities temporarily closed the Lubombo border crossing after protestors set vehicles ablaze on the Mozambican side.

Mondlane, who claims that the election was rigged, has vowed to install himself as President despite being outside the country. Last week, Mozambique’s top court upheld the victory of Daniel Chapo from the ruling Frelimo party, albeit with a reduced margin. Since protests against the election results began in October, more than 250 people have reportedly been killed in clashes, with local civil society groups indicating that most victims were shot by security forces.

This situation underscores the urgent need for dialogue and resolution to ensure peace and stability in Mozambique while addressing pressing human rights concerns.

Syria’s interim Foreign Minister praised Arab nations for supporting the Syrian people. A delegation from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) arrived in Damascus on Monday for high-level talks with the Syrian interim administration.

The delegation is led by Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya and GCC Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Saudi-owned Alarabiya TV reported. Speaking at a press conference in Damascus with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani, Al-Yahya said that his visit is part of the GCC’s efforts to strengthen ties with Syria.

He underscored the importance of respecting Syria’s sovereignty and supporting its stability, calling for the removal of international sanctions on the country. For his part, Syria’s interim Foreign Minister praised Arab nations for supporting the Syrian people during and after the country’s prolonged conflict.

At the press conference, al-Shibani said that GCC delegation has been briefed on Syria’s plans for the future. He added Damascus is willing to look forward to strengthening relationships with Gulf brothers. “We want to reintegrate Syria into its Arab environment,” he said.

According to reports, GCC officials also discussed with Syria’s de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa ways to revitalize Syria’s war-battered economy as well as Syria’s security as an integral part of the region’s stability.

GCC Secretary-General said the council’s respect for Syria’s sovereignty and unity remains paramount. Albudaiwi denounced any foreign interference in Syrian affairs, demanding Israel’s immediate withdrawal from the occupied Golan Heights and condemning its settlement expansion in the area.

The delegation, which includes Al-Yahya and Al-Budaiwi, arrived in the Syrian capital on Monday to meet with the new Syrian administration leader, Ahmad Al-Sharaa. This follows the ouster of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s government earlier this month.

FM Yvan Gil responded firmly to the false claims of the right-wing Argentine government. On Thursday, Bolivarian authorities released images confirming the good health of Argentine police officer Nahuel Gallo. This was Venezuela’s response to unfounded accusations from Argentina alleging that the officer was a victim of forced disappearance.

Previously, the administration of President Javier Milei filed a complaint with the International Criminal Court (ICC) regarding Gallo’s detention. Aimed at tarnishing the Bolivarian nation’s reputation, this maneuver was met with a forceful response from Venezuela’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Yvan Gil.

“Milei’s Argentine government continues to put on a shameful spectacle, moving from one absurdity to another on the international stage. Invoking the Rome Statute, which they clearly do not understand, to fuel their unhealthy political obsession is not only ignorant but also scandalously unserious,” he said.

“Officials from Milei’s puppet government, involved in an extreme right-wing coup and terrorist agenda against Venezuela, are using erratic diplomatic actions to justify their own failures and complicity. Justice and human rights are not tools for desperate agendas. Their fiasco only reinforces their status as the laughingstock of global diplomacy,” Gil emphasized.

On December 8, Venezuelan authorities identified activities involving Argentine officer Gallo, who was detained in the state of Tachira on the Colombia-Venezuela border. Under the pretense of visiting family members, he attempted to enter Venezuelan territory to engage in illicit activities.

Gallo is an intelligence agent who was planning an “extraction operation” involving six members of the far-right organization Vente Venezuela, currently sheltered inside the Argentine embassy in Caracas.

Venezuela’s Attorney General Tarek William Saab also dismissed Argentine claims that Gallo was being held in deplorable conditions at a military base. Specifically, Saab confirmed that the officer is under judicial custody and fully enjoys his fundamental rights in accordance with Venezuela’s constitution.