Mozambique's 24% candidate threatens to intensify protests

Daniel Francisco Chapo, 47, was sworn in as the fifth president of Mozambique during a public ceremony in Maputo's Independence Square today. The event, overshadowed by political tensions and contested election results, marked Frelimo's continued dominance since the country gained independence from Portugal in 1975 - a tenure now spanning 50 years.

The inauguration, attended by approximately 2,000 guests, featured appearances by former Mozambican presidents Joaquim Chissano, Armando Guebuza, and outgoing head of state Filipe Nyusi. However, the absence of many Southern African Development Community (SADC) leaders highlighted the region's unease. Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, a close ally of Chapo, was notably missing, represented instead by Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri and other officials.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Bissau-Guinean President Umaro Sissoco Embaló were the only regional heads of state present. Ramaphosa is mediating ongoing talks between Chapo and opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane following Mozambique's contentious October 2024 election.

Chapo's victory, officially declared at 65% by the Constitutional Council, has been fiercely contested by Mondlane, who garnered 24% of the vote. The opposition leader, supported by thousands of protesters, has rejected the results, citing irregularities and alleged interference. The political unrest deepened after Mondlane's lawyer and a Podemos party candidate were murdered on October 19, 2024. Mondlane himself survived an assassination attempt, prompting a brief self-imposed exile in South Africa before returning to Mozambique to lead renewed protests.

In his inaugural speech, Chapo promised to implement significant administrative reforms, aiming to create a leaner, more efficient government. Among the proposed changes are a reduction in ministries and the replacement of deputy ministers with secretaries of state, who will report directly to ministers.
“It will be a smaller government, but one that is highly agile and efficient,” Chapo said, pledging to reallocate resources to critical sectors.

Despite Chapo's call for unity and reform, Mondlane vowed to continue the protests indefinitely.

“The people will not stop, even if it means demonstrating throughout Chapo's term,” Mondlane said, addressing supporters who have flooded Mozambique's streets in recent weeks.

Chapo's inauguration has drawn mixed reactions from international observers. While Mnangagwa faced criticism for prematurely congratulating Chapo before the official results were declared, other leaders have expressed concerns over Mozambique's volatile post-election environment.

The unfolding political crisis casts a shadow over Chapo's presidency, as Mozambique grapples with deep divisions and escalating tensions. Ramaphosa's mediation efforts are expected to play a critical role in determining the country's path forward.