Daniel Chapo Sworn in as Mozambique's Fifth President Amidst Heightened Security and Protests

Security Tightens in Maputo

Under strict security measures, including the closure of several roads in central Maputo, Mozambicans are witnessing the inauguration of Daniel Chapo as the fifth president of the country. This ceremony has been contested since October, marked by waves of protests led by supporters of presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane, which have been heavily suppressed by authorities.

Several roads in central Maputo, near the Independence Square, were closed to traffic. - Luísa Nhantumbo - EPA

Inauguration Details

Nearly 2,500 guests, including two heads of state, gathered in Maputo for the inauguration of Daniel Chapo, the current Secretary-General of Frelimo (Mozambique Liberation Front). Chapo, 48, was proclaimed the winner of the presidential election on December 23, with 65.17% of the votes from the October 9 general elections, which also included legislative and provincial assembly elections, all won by the ruling party.

Born on January 6, 1977, in Inhaminga, Chapo is the first president born after Mozambique's independence in 1975 and holds a law degree from Eduardo Mondlane University in Maputo.

The inauguration ceremony is taking place this Wednesday morning at Independence Square, where the outgoing president Filipe Nyusi will hand over the symbols of power to the president of the Constitutional Council, Lúcia Ribeiro, who will officiate the swearing-in of Daniel Chapo. The event will feature official speeches, cultural moments, a 21-gun salute, and a review of the Mozambique Defence Forces by the new commander-in-chief.

International Presence

The only confirmed heads of state present at the ceremony are Cyril Ramaphosa from South Africa and Umaro Sissoco Embaló from Guinea-Bissau. Additionally, vice-presidents from Tanzania, Malawi, and Kenya will attend, along with the Prime Ministers of Eswatini and Rwanda, and at least eight ministers from various countries, including Portugal's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Paulo Rangel.

Political Tensions

Venâncio Mondlane, the presidential candidate, returned to Mozambique last Thursday and has called for three days of strikes and protests this week against the swearing-in of the new president and deputies. He accused the regime of a "silent genocide", claiming that people are being kidnapped and extrajudicially executed. Mondlane criticized Minister Paulo Rangel for being biased regarding the post-election disputes in Mozambique.

Since October, pro-Mondlane protesters have been demanding the "restoration of electoral truth". Clashes with police have resulted in at least 300 deaths and over 600 injuries, according to civil society organizations. Mondlane garnered 24% of the votes in the presidential election, according to the Constitutional Council.

Report by Tiago Contreiras, Gabriel dos Santos | RTP in Maputo