Political Turmoil in Mozambique: New President Sworn In Amid Protests and Financial Struggles in Angola

Turbulent Times in Mozambique

On Monday, the Mozambican Parliament was inaugurated with a boycott from the Renamo party, the MDM, and four deputies from Podemos, the largest opposition party. This Wednesday, Daniel Chapo was sworn in as the successor to Filipe Nyusi as the President of Mozambique. These events were expected to stabilize the country, but tensions remain high.

Venâncio Mondlane, the main opposition presidential candidate, refuses to concede defeat, claiming to be the true elected president. He does not recognize Chapo's authority and has called for three days of protests that culminated on Wednesday.

Financial Woes in Angola

Next, we turn to Angola, where President João Lourenço's government committed last May to raise public sector salaries by 25% this year. However, as January arrives, the government has failed to deliver, citing delays in Parliament and promising to pay in March retroactively to January. This excuse masks the growing financial challenges faced by the Angolan government. According to a study by Debt Justice, Angola is projected to use the largest percentage of its tax revenue this year to service its debt, with 66.4% earmarked for interest payments in 2025, up from 64.7% last year.

Political Crisis in São Tomé and Príncipe

In the second part of our discussion, we speak with former Minister Osvaldo Viegas d’Abreu about the current political crisis in São Tomé and Príncipe. President Carlos Vila Nova dismissed the government and rejected the proposed names from the party of former Prime Minister Patrice Trovoada, opting instead for the Central Bank Governor, Américo Ramos, to lead the new government.