Mozambique’s president-elect, Daniel Chapo, has called for unity and an end to violence following a week of intense unrest sparked by his party’s contested election victory.
The turmoil has claimed at least 134 lives in recent days and prompted thousands of citizens to flee to neighboring Malawi.
Chapo, representing the long-ruling Frelimo party, expressed regret over the violence during his first public address since the Constitutional Council upheld his win in the October 9 election.
He pledged to govern as “the president of all Mozambicans” after his inauguration in January, despite opposition allegations of widespread vote-rigging.
“These acts only contribute to the decline of the country and the increase in the number of Mozambicans who are heading towards unemployment and poverty,” Chapo said, condemning the unrest that has hit cities such as Maputo, Matola, Beira, and Nampula.
The violence escalated during protests led by opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, whose party has strong support among the country’s youth. Streets were barricaded, businesses looted, and thousands of inmates escaped from a prison in Maputo amid the chaos.
Election Disputes and Regional Concerns
The October election, in which Chapo reportedly won 65% of the vote, has been marred by allegations of electoral irregularities. International observers have also raised concerns about the credibility of the process.
Mondlane’s opposition party, buoyed by disillusioned young voters, has rejected the results and continues to challenge Frelimo’s decades-long grip on power since Mozambique’s independence from Portugal in 1975.
Mass Exodus to Malawi
As unrest grips the nation, over 2,000 Mozambican families have fled to Malawi, seeking refuge from the violence. Malawian officials report that 2,182 households have crossed into the Nsanje district, where they are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.
“The situation remains dire as these individuals urgently require humanitarian assistance,” said Nsanje district commissioner Dominic Mwandira in a statement.
Regional Implications
Neighboring African nations have expressed concern about the ongoing crisis, given Mozambique's strategic importance as a regional trade hub. Leaders are urging dialogue to resolve the political impasse and restore stability.
“Countries in the region rely on Mozambique’s ports. For example, the fuel that goes to Zimbabwe comes through Mozambique,” Al Jazeera’s Haru Mutasa reported from Maputo.
As the crisis unfolds, the international community is watching closely, with calls for inclusive dialogue to prevent further violence and ensure the stability of the Southern African nation.
Post a Comment