Daniel Chapo, Mozambique’s president-elect from the Frelimo party, has called for “non-violence” and “unity” in the country following a week of widespread rioting triggered by his party’s disputed election win. Despite opposition claims of vote-rigging, Chapo promised to be the president of all Mozambicans after his inauguration in mid-January. The contested election results, confirmed by Mozambique’s top court, led to protests and unrest, resulting in thousands of citizens fleeing to neighbouring Malawi. The violence claimed the lives of 134 people, bringing the overall death toll since the elections to at least 261.
Frelimo has been in power in Mozambique since the end of the war against Portuguese colonial rule in 1975. The opposition, led by Venancio Mondlane, alleged that the October 9 election was rigged, a claim supported by international observers citing electoral irregularities. Despite the disputed poll results, the Constitutional Council declared Chapo as the winner with approximately 65 percent of the vote. The opposition’s strong support among Mozambique’s youth population has fueled tensions and protests, with the election outcome being a major point of contention among the people.
The post-electoral tensions in Mozambique have led to over 2,000 families seeking refuge in Malawi, according to Malawian authorities. The families fleeing the violence crossed into Malawi’s Nsanje district, which borders Mozambique and are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. Regional leaders in Africa have expressed their readiness to assist Mozambique in resolving its political crisis, emphasizing the importance of stability in Mozambique for neighboring countries’ economies. Mozambique plays a significant role in the region in terms of trade and transportation, and a peaceful resolution to the political unrest is crucial for regional stability.
Chapo’s first public statement following the court decision mentioned the impact of the protests on the country, particularly in heavily affected cities like Maputo, Matola, Beira, and Nampula. He acknowledged the economic decline and rising unemployment and poverty resulting from the violence and clashes between protesters and police officers. The president-elect appeals for calm and unity, highlighting the need to avoid further destabilization and conflict in the country. His commitment to being the president of all Mozambicans signals a desire for reconciliation and peace amid the post-election turmoil.
The outbreak of violence and unrest in Mozambique underscores the deeper political divisions and challenges facing the country. The ongoing protests and clashes reflect a growing dissatisfaction among the population over the election results and perceived electoral fraud. The high number of casualties and the displacement of families highlight the humanitarian impact of the political crisis and the need for immediate assistance and intervention. The calls for dialogue from regional leaders and the international community underscore the importance of a peaceful resolution to the political impasse in Mozambique for the well-being of its citizens and the stability of the region as a whole.
