Mozambique Inaugurates New President Amid Deadly Unrest

Mozambique Inaugurates New President Amid Deadly Unrest

Mozambique’s President-Elect Daniel Chapo to Be Sworn In Amidst Political Unrest

Daniel Chapo, Mozambique’s president-elect, is set to be sworn into office on Wednesday, following weeks of deadly political unrest. Meanwhile, opposition leader Venancio Mondlane has pledged to “paralyse” the nation with ongoing protests against what he calls a “fraudulent” election.

Mondlane, 50, a figure popular among the youth, had called for a national strike leading up to the inauguration and reiterated on Tuesday his commitment to daily demonstrations to pressure Chapo’s administration. He maintains that the October 9 polls were manipulated in favor of Chapo’s Frelimo party, which has ruled the country since its independence from Portugal in 1975.

“This regime does not want peace,” Mondlane declared in a Facebook address on Tuesday, revealing that his communications team faced gunfire during protests earlier this week. “We will protest every single day. If it means paralysing the country for the entire term, we will do so.”

Chapo, 48, has called for stability, urging unity to foster development. “We can work together, united, to develop our country,” he said on Monday during a press briefing at the national assembly.

Election Irregularities and International Response

International observers, including the European Union, have raised concerns about the election, citing irregularities. The EU mission condemned what it termed the “unjustified alteration of election results.”

Chapo’s inauguration is expected to be boycotted by foreign heads of state, a gesture that political analyst Johann Smith described as a “strong message.” Former colonial power Portugal is represented by its Foreign Minister, Paulo Rangel, while regional leaders, including South Africa’s president, are notably absent.

Rising Tensions and Calls for Dialogue

The unrest has escalated since the election, with local civil society group Plataforma Decide reporting at least 300 deaths, including six fatalities in the Inhambane and Zambezia regions just this week. Security forces have been accused of excessive violence, though police casualties have also been reported.

The streets of Maputo were largely deserted during Monday’s swearing-in of parliamentary lawmakers. Shops remained closed amid fears of violence, while military police secured the parliament building and blocked main roads.

Chapo is expected to announce his government this week and could make conciliatory moves by appointing opposition members to key ministerial posts. However, dialogue remains uncertain as Mondlane, who returned to Mozambique last week after going into hiding following his lawyer’s assassination, has so far been excluded from talks initiated by Chapo and outgoing President Filipe Nyusi.

“I’m here in the flesh to say that if you want to negotiate… I’m here,” Mondlane stated, signaling his willingness to engage in discussions.

Disputed Results

Official results show Chapo winning 65% of the vote, with Mondlane trailing at 24%. However, Mondlane insists he won 53% and accuses election authorities of tampering with the outcome.

Frelimo retains a strong parliamentary majority, holding 171 of the 250 seats, while Mondlane’s Podemos party secured only 43.

As tensions simmer, analysts believe the country’s stability will depend on Chapo’s ability to address the crisis and foster dialogue with opposition forces.