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Mozambique’s New President Sworn In Despite Opposition Boycott

Mozambique’s new president has officially taken office, proceeding with the inauguration despite a boycott by the opposition party.

Mozambique’s new President, Daniel Chapo, has been sworn in during a low-key ceremony in the capital, Maputo, that was overshadowed by an opposition boycott following heavily contested elections.

The inauguration took place amid a tense atmosphere, with many businesses in the capital shut and streets largely deserted after Venâncio Mondlane, the defeated presidential candidate, called for a national strike to protest the election results.

During his first address as president, the 47-year-old Chapo pledged to “devote all my energies” to promoting national unity and human rights in a country that has been deeply scarred by post-election violence. A local civil society group has reported that more than 300 people have lost their lives in clashes with security forces since the October elections.

Chapo secured 65% of the vote, extending the 49-year rule of the Frelimo party. Mondlane, who ran as an independent candidate, came in second with 24%. He rejected the election results, alleging fraud, and called for a strike on the day of the inauguration to protest against what he referred to as “the thieves of the people.”

Addressing about 2,500 guests at the heavily guarded ceremony, Chapo called for unity and national pride.

“Together, we will restore patriotism and pride in being Mozambican,” he declared. He also vowed to address corruption and nepotism, stating, “Mozambique cannot remain a hostage to corruption, nepotism, and incompetence.”

However, the event was not without incident. Outside Independence Square, where the swearing-in ceremony took place, police fired shots to disperse crowds as Chapo’s motorcade departed. The crowds included supporters of both Mondlane and Chapo, many of whom had earlier attempted to gain entry to the venue but were denied access.

“Is this a wedding with private invitations? We want to see the president being sworn in, but we have been told we can’t,” Maputo resident Paulu Hamuze told reporters.

Mondlane’s electoral campaign was backed by a small opposition party, which heeded his call to boycott the inauguration. The boycott was also supported by Mozambique’s two leading opposition parties, Renamo and the MDM, who, like Mondlane, do not recognise Chapo as the legitimate winner of the election.

Chapo succeeds Filipe Nyusi, who stepped down after serving two terms as president. However, even among those who wish Chapo well, questions remain about his legitimacy and his ability to address the significant challenges facing the nation.

“Chapo is someone I admire greatly,” civil society activist Mirna Chitsungo told the reporters. “I worked with him for four years. I am familiar with his willingness to act, his openness to dialogue, and his readiness to follow recommendations from civil society on the ground. However, he is assuming an illegitimate power. This stems from a fraudulent electoral process. He is taking power in a context where the people do not accept him.”

In addition to gaining the trust of a sceptical public, Chapo will also face pressure to deliver the economic reforms and anti-corruption measures he promised during his campaign. Investigative journalist and analyst Luis Nhanchote warned of the significant challenges ahead.

“Chapo will face many enemies because it looks like Mozambique is run by cartels, including cartels of books, medicines, sugar, drugs, kidnappings, and mafia groups,” Nhanchote said. “He needs to have a strong team of experts willing to join him in this crusade of dismantling these groups meticulously. But first, he has to calm down Mozambicans and do all in his power to restore peace in the country.”

Faridah Abdulkadiri

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