Mozambique inaugurated its new parliament on Monday under tense circumstances, with the capital city, Maputo, largely deserted following a strike called by opposition leader Venancio Mondlane to protest alleged election rigging.
The parliamentary swearing-in comes after months of unrest following October’s contentious elections. The opposition alleges the vote was manipulated to favor the ruling Frelimo party, which has been in power for five decades.
Opposition Boycotts Ceremony
While President-elect Daniel Chapo and outgoing President Filipe Nyusi attended the ceremony, opposition parties Renamo and the Democratic Movement of Mozambique (MDM) boycotted the event. Renamo, which holds 28 seats, and MDM, with eight seats, refused to participate, calling the parliamentary inauguration “a betrayal of the people’s will.”
Mondlane, a popular figure among marginalized youth, accused the electoral commission of rigging the results, claiming he won 53% of the presidential vote compared to the official tally of 24%. The official results gave Chapo a decisive victory with 65% of the vote.
Security forces, including military police, surrounded the parliament building, blocking main roads during the inauguration. Shops in the city center were closed, and streets were empty as protesters set up barricades in some areas.
Unrest since the October elections has claimed around 300 lives, according to a local rights group. The violence has disrupted cross-border trade and impacted key industries like shipping and mining. Security forces have been accused of excessive force, including using live ammunition against demonstrators.
Calls for Dialogue Amid Tensions
Chapo called for unity and stability, urging for “open and frank debate” in the new parliament to address Mozambique’s challenges. Former President Joaquim Chissano echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for solutions through dialogue.
Despite repeated calls for negotiations, Mondlane has been excluded from discussions led by Chapo and Nyusi with other political leaders. Upon returning from exile last week, Mondlane reiterated his willingness to engage in talks, stating, “If you want to negotiate, I’m here.”
The situation remains fragile as the country grapples with deep political divisions and ongoing unrest.