Mozambique Opposition Leader Declares Intent to Assume Presidency

Mozambique’s principal opposition leader, Venâncio Mondlane, has announced his intention to unilaterally assume the presidency on 15 January, having rejected his defeat in the recent presidential elections. This declaration coincided with violent demonstrations by his supporters across the nation, demanding an end to the Frelimo party’s 49-year governance. On Christmas Eve, the capital city of Maputo resembled a deserted area, with nearly all businesses closed and residents staying indoors to avoid being caught in the most severe civil unrest the city has experienced since Frelimo came to power at independence in 1975. Throughout the country, Frelimo offices, police stations, banks, and factories have been subjected to looting, vandalism, and arson. The interior minister reported late on Tuesday that at least 21 individuals have died in the disturbances since Monday. The latest wave of unrest began on Monday, following Mozambique’s highest court upholding the victory of Frelimo’s presidential candidate, Daniel Chapo, in the elections held in October. Mondlane had contested these results, alleging that the electoral process was fraudulent. In a Facebook live broadcast to his supporters on Tuesday, Mondlane stated his rejection of the constitutional court’s ruling and affirmed his plan to assume the office of president on 15 January – the same day Chapo is scheduled to be sworn in. President Filipe Nyusi is due to step down at the conclusion of his two terms. It remains unclear how Mondlane intends to take office, as he is currently in self-imposed exile in an undisclosed country. He has frequently rallied his supporters through speeches on Facebook live, but has urged them to maintain peace. In his latest address, Mondlane stated, “We are with the people. We do not advocate any form of violence.” Chapo has not yet commented on Mondlane’s declaration. The October election marked the first time both individuals ran for the presidency. The electoral commission initially declared Chapo the winner with 71% of the vote, compared to Mondlane’s 20%. Subsequently, the constitutional court revised these results, assigning the Frelimo candidate 65% and Mondlane 24%. Rights groups report that over 100 people have been killed in unrest since the elections. These groups accuse the security forces of being responsible for many of the fatalities, though police commander Bernadino Rafael had previously informed the BBC that his officers were acting in self-defense after coming under attack. Mondlane fled Mozambique after accusing police of threatening behavior, and two of his aides were fatally shot in October. The 50-year-old evangelical pastor contested the election as an independent candidate, having broken away from the main opposition Renamo party. His support is strongest among young people, many of whom are unemployed and demanding change. Frelimo put forward 47-year-old Chapo as its youngest ever presidential candidate. He has previously dismissed suggestions that he and Frelimo rigged the poll, stating: “We are an organised party that prepares its victories.”