Fri Dec 27 20:36:09 UTC 2024: **Mozambique’s President-Elect Pleads for Peace After Violent Protests**
MAPUTO, Mozambique – Mozambique’s president-elect, Daniel Chapo, issued a plea for peace and unity Friday, following a week of violent protests sparked by his controversial election victory. Chapo, of the ruling Frelimo party, expressed regret over the unrest, which resulted in at least 134 deaths, bringing the total death toll since the October elections to at least 261, according to the local NGO Plataforma Decide. He promised to be “president of all Mozambicans” upon his inauguration in mid-January.
The protests, called by opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, who alleges widespread vote-rigging, saw widespread rioting, looting, and the escape of thousands of prisoners from a Maputo jail. The violence impacted major cities including Maputo, Matola, Beira, and Nampula. Chapo condemned the actions, stating they only serve to worsen the country’s economic woes and increase unemployment and poverty. He also acknowledged the deaths of several police officers during the clashes.
The October election, which the Constitutional Council declared Chapo won with roughly 65 percent of the vote, has been marred by allegations of irregularities from both the opposition and international observers. Mondlane’s opposition party, which enjoys strong support among young Mozambicans, maintains the election was rigged. This unrest has also caused a humanitarian crisis, with over 2,000 Mozambican families fleeing into neighboring Malawi seeking refuge.
Malawian authorities are struggling to provide assistance to the influx of refugees. Regional African leaders are reportedly offering support to help Mozambique resolve its political crisis, acknowledging the country’s crucial role in regional trade and infrastructure, particularly its ports used by neighboring countries like Zimbabwe. Calls for dialogue and a resolution to the political impasse are growing.
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