Mozambique’s Chapo sworn in as president after disputed election

Daniel Chapo, a member of Mozambique’s long-ruling Frelimo party, was sworn in as president on Wednesday in a ceremony that was sparsely attended due to ongoing protests against his disputed election victory. The opposition claims that Frelimo won through vote-rigging, while Western observers have stated that the election was not free and fair. The country has been embroiled in violence, with over 300 people reportedly killed in clashes with security forces since the October 9th vote.

Frelimo, which has been in power since the end of the war against Portuguese colonial rule in 1975, denies any allegations of electoral fraud. Despite the controversy surrounding his election, Chapo emphasized that social and political stability would be his government’s top priority.

In an effort to streamline the government, Chapo pledged to reduce the number of ministries, address youth unemployment, and focus on improving healthcare and education. The inauguration ceremony, held in the capital city of Maputo, was heavily guarded by police and military personnel. Among the few heads of state in attendance was Cyril Ramaphosa, the president of neighboring South Africa.

Opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, who officially came in second in the presidential election, recently returned from self-imposed exile and has encouraged his supporters to continue protesting. The demonstrations against Frelimo have been the largest in Mozambique’s history, impacting foreign businesses and disrupting cross-border trade.

As the country looks towards a new chapter under Chapo’s leadership, the challenges of political unrest and economic instability loom large. It remains to be seen how the new president will navigate these turbulent times and work towards a more inclusive and prosperous future for Mozambique.