Daniel Chapo was inaugurated as the new president of Mozambique amidst widespread protests and allegations of electoral fraud. Opposition leader Venancio Mondlane has vowed to paralyze the country with daily protests. The election, marked by violence and irregularities, has raised significant doubts internationally regarding its legitimacy.
On Wednesday, Daniel Chapo was officially inaugurated as the new president of Mozambique despite significant opposition and calls for protests regarding the legitimacy of the election results. Leading the charge against the new regime, opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, recently returned from self-imposed exile, publicly vowed to disrupt the nation’s activities. Mondlane declared, “We will protest every single day. If it means paralyzing the country for the entire term, we will paralyze it for the entire term.” Observers have reported violence and irregularities during the electoral process, highlighting that over 300 people have died amid unrest since the elections on October 9, 2025. International observers, including a European Union mission, confirmed numerous irregularities and labeled the election results as questionable.
In a challenging atmosphere, Chapo addressed calls for protest and emphasized the need for unity as he aims to foster development and stability in Mozambique. He stated that by working together, the nation could overcome its challenges. Meanwhile, civil society organizations, led by the Pan-African Lawyers Union, submitted a petition urging the African Union not to recognize Chapo’s presidency. Despite the heated political climate, regional leaders, including South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa and Guinea-Bissau’s Umaro Sissoco Embalo, attended the inauguration, expressing hopes for peace and cooperation in Mozambique’s future.
The political climate in Mozambique has recently been tumultuous, especially following the October 9 elections which have been criticized for widespread irregularities and violence. The situation escalated with the return of opposition leader Venancio Mondlane from exile, who is calling upon supporters to resist and protest against the new government. Chapo’s government faces scrutiny from both international observers and civil society groups, further complicating the political landscape in Mozambique.
This inauguration has highlighted deep divisions within Mozambique, with significant public dissent against Daniel Chapo’s presidency and ongoing calls for protest led by the opposition. Despite being inaugurated, Chapo’s administration faces immediate challenges to establish legitimacy and foster national stability amidst widespread unrest and calls for continued civil resistance.
Original Source: www.dw.com
