Mozambique’s political crisis deepens as opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane calls for national unity amidst rising violence following disputed presidential elections. Mondlane, currently in self-imposed exile, urged citizens to come together in solidarity by singing the national anthem in their communities at 11:45 p.m. on New Year’s Eve.
“We must rediscover our identity as Mozambicans,” Mondlane said during a Facebook livestream, emphasizing unity as a step toward overcoming divisions.
The unrest follows the constitutional court’s decision to uphold ruling party candidate Daniel Chapo’s election victory, though with adjusted results lowering Chapo’s tally to 65% and raising Mondlane’s to 24%. The court’s ruling has not quelled tensions, with protests intensifying.
Last week was the bloodiest since the demonstrations began in October. According to Plataforma Decide, 179 people were killed in riots, bringing the total death toll to 278, including protesters, children, and security personnel.
Mondlane fled Mozambique in October after receiving threats to his life, following the assassination of two of his aides. From exile, he continues to rally his supporters, declaring his intention to install himself as president on January 15, the same day Chapo is set to be inaugurated.
President-elect Daniel Chapo has vowed to address the unrest, promising to be “the President for all” Mozambicans. However, international observers have criticized the election process, citing irregularities and manipulated vote counts.
Neighboring countries are also feeling the impact. Thousands of Mozambicans have sought refuge in Malawi, while South Africa has tightened border security and dispatched a special envoy, Sydney Mufamadi, to mediate discussions with outgoing President Filipe Nyusi.
The crisis has severely affected Mozambique’s economy. Over 12,000 jobs have been lost, and more than 500 companies have been vandalized, according to Onorio Manuel, vice-president of the Confederation of Economic Associations. Key infrastructure, including courts, police stations, and Frelimo offices, has been destroyed.
In the midst of the chaos, over 1,500 prisoners escaped from a maximum-security prison, compounding security challenges.
Mondlane’s call for unity and peaceful protests contrasts with the ongoing violence, leaving questions about the nation’s ability to reconcile its divisions. As protests are set to resume on January 2, and with Mondlane’s controversial pledge to assume the presidency, Mozambique faces a critical test of its political stability and resilience in the new year.
The path forward will require concerted efforts from both domestic leaders and the international community to restore peace and ensure a democratic resolution.