Mozambique’s president-elect, Daniel Chapo, has issued a call for national unity and peaceful resolution following a week of violent unrest triggered by his disputed election victory. The unrest, which erupted after the October 9 election results were confirmed by the Constitutional Council, has resulted in widespread protests, fatalities, and a mass exodus of citizens seeking refuge in neighboring Malawi.
In his first public statement since the court’s decision, Chapo, who represents the long-standing Frelimo party, expressed deep regret over the violence and reaffirmed his commitment to inclusivity. “I will be the president of all Mozambicans,” he declared, emphasizing that after his inauguration in mid-January, he would work to heal divisions and lead the country toward stability. Despite Chapo’s reassurances, opposition groups have maintained that the election was marred by widespread fraud, a claim echoed by international observers who pointed out significant irregularities in the voting process.
The unrest, which unfolded this week, saw opposition leader Venancio Mondlane spearheading protests across the country. Demonstrators blocked key streets, looted businesses, and staged a dramatic prison break in Maputo, resulting in the escape of thousands of inmates. Local NGO Plataforma Decide reported that at least 134 people died during the violence, bringing the total death toll since the election to over 260. Among the casualties were several law enforcement officers, underscoring the severity of the clashes.
The violence has caused significant social and economic damage, with Chapo identifying the most affected areas as Maputo, Matola, Beira, and Nampula. In a televised address, he condemned the acts of destruction, stressing their long-term impact on the country’s economy, exacerbating unemployment, and deepening poverty. “These acts of violence only serve to worsen the situation, pushing more Mozambicans into economic hardship,” Chapo said, urging the nation to seek peace and reconciliation.
The unrest has also sparked a wave of refugees fleeing the violence. Over 2,000 families have crossed into Malawi’s Nsanje district, with many more expected to follow. The influx of refugees has placed immense pressure on local resources, with Malawian authorities warning of an urgent need for humanitarian aid. “The situation remains dire, and these individuals require immediate assistance to survive,” said Dominic Mwandira, Nsanje district commissioner, in a letter to the country’s refugee commissioner.
The October election results, which saw Chapo declared the winner with around 65% of the vote, have been a point of contention. Opposition groups, particularly those backed by the country’s youth population, have accused Frelimo of manipulating the election to secure victory. Despite these claims, the Constitutional Court upheld Chapo’s win, paving the way for his upcoming inauguration. International monitors have also noted electoral irregularities, including reports of voter intimidation and ballot tampering, further fueling doubts about the legitimacy of the results.
The ongoing political crisis has drawn attention from regional leaders, who have expressed concern about the potential spillover effects on neighboring countries. Mozambique’s strategic importance, particularly its ports, is crucial to regional trade, with goods such as fuel being transported to countries like Zimbabwe through its infrastructure. In light of this, regional governments are urging Mozambican leaders to engage in dialogue and take swift action to resolve the crisis.
“Stability in Mozambique is essential not only for its people but for the entire region,” said a regional diplomat. “It is imperative that leaders work together to find a peaceful solution to the current impasse.”
As the political situation remains uncertain, the people of Mozambique are left to grapple with the aftermath of a divisive election and the promise of a new leadership that will need to bridge the growing divide and steer the country toward peace and prosperity.