The new president of Mozambique is inaugurated following post-election unrest

Daniel Chapo Sworn In as Mozambique’s President Amid Election Unrest

Mozambique’s new president, Daniel Chapo, was sworn into office on Wednesday in the capital, Maputo, under tight security following weeks of violent protests over disputed election results. Chapo, 48, continues the Frelimo party’s five-decade rule in the resource-rich nation, despite widespread claims of election fraud by opposition leader Venancio Mondlane. The unrest that followed has reportedly left over 300 people dead, according to a local NGO.

During his inauguration, Chapo pledged to “devote all my energies to defending, promoting, and consolidating national unity, human rights, democracy, and the well-being of the Mozambican people.”

However, tensions remain high. On the eve of the ceremony, Mondlane, 50, vowed to “paralyse” the new government with daily protests. His earlier calls for a national strike ahead of the inauguration fueled fears of further instability.

Mondlane, widely supported by Mozambique’s youth, insists that the October 9 election was rigged in favor of the ruling Frelimo party, which has governed the country since gaining independence from Portugal in 1975.

“This regime does not want peace,” Mondlane declared in a Facebook address on Tuesday, claiming his communications team was targeted with gunfire during street protests. “We will protest every single day. If it means paralysing the country for the entire term, we will do it.”

In response, Chapo appealed for calm and unity, stating on Monday at the national assembly, “We can continue to work together, united… to develop our country.”

International observers have raised serious concerns about the election process, citing widespread irregularities. The European Union mission condemned what it described as the “unjustified alteration of election results,” further casting doubt on the legitimacy of the outcome.