Frelimo candidate visits Mnangagwa ahead of Mozambique polls

Daniel Francisco Chapo, the presidential candidate for Mozambique's ruling party, Frelimo, is scheduled to visit Harare for a meeting with President Emmerson Mnangagwa on July 20 ahead of Mozambique's October elections.

This visit, described as a courtesy call by Zanu-PF national spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa, aims for Chapo to seek wisdom and strengthen ties with Zimbabwe.

Chapo, aged 47, recently nominated to succeed President Filipe Nyusi, will also visit other former liberation movements in southern Africa as part of his diplomatic engagements.

Mutsvangwa highlighted Zimbabwe's growing economic activities, particularly citing developments like Manhize steelmaking and Zimbabwe's role in revitalizing the port of Beira, historically affected by sanctions since the UDI (Unilateral Declaration of Independence) era.

Mutsvangwa emphasized that Chapo's visit underscores the historical and strategic relationship between Zimbabwe and Mozambique. He noted that the visit will focus on sharing experiences from the liberation movements' struggle against apartheid and racism, aiming to enhance Africa's collective geopolitical stance.

Since Mozambique's independence in 1975, all its heads of state have come from Frelimo. If elected, Chapo would be Mozambique's fourth democratically-elected president.