Prime Minister Dr. Ngirente yesterday attended the swearing-in ceremony of President Daniel Francisco Chapo of Mozambique. Who has become the fifth president of the Republic. He extends the unchallenged reign of Frelimo, the party in power for nearly 50 years.
His election is still contested by the opponent Venancio Mondlane who had called for a three-day national strike. This Wednesday, at least seven people died in demonstrations in Maputo and in the North, in Nampula, according to a local NGO.
In Independence Square, his hand on the Constitution, Daniel Chapo takes the oath.
“I, Daniel Francisco Chapo, swear to respect and uphold the Constitution, to faithfully assume the office of President of the Republic of Mozambique, to dedicate all my energy to the defense, promotion and consolidation of national unity, democracy, and to do justice to all citizens.”
At his side, nearly 2,500 guests. In the surrounding area, deserted streets. The police have sealed off the city center of Maputo for several kilometers around.
A minute of silence at the beginning of the speech, Daniel Chapo decided to begin his speech with a minute of silence, a tribute to the victims of Cyclone Chido, but especially to the people who died during these three months of electoral protest, accompanied by strikes, blockades, fires and vandalism.
The ceremony, which took place in Maputo, was attended by citizens and dignitaries from various countries. Mozambique’s new president, Daniel Francisco Chapo, was sworn in after weeks of protests over the results of the election.
The 48-year-old Chapo won the October 2024 election with 65.15% of the vote, but the opposition quickly declared its dissatisfaction with the results.
They are also said to be behind the protests that followed across the country, with even exiled opposition leader Venancio Mondlane returning to the country, saying he would disrupt the inauguration.
Rwanda and Mozambique have strong relations in various sectors including trade, justice and security, which were particularly strengthened when Rwanda contributed to the suppression of terrorists in Cabo Delgado Province since 2021.
Until now, Rwandan security forces have played a major role in expelling the terrorists of the Ansar Al Sunnah wa Jama’ah group from the strongholds they had established in various districts of the Province located in Northern Mozambique.
Until now, over 90% of those who had fled have returned to their homes and security has been restored, with efforts to track down the terrorists wherever they have fled to ensure that security is restored.
The new President Chapo stressed that he will continue to strengthen efforts to restore peace in Cabo Delgado Province, following in the footsteps of his predecessor, Filipe Nyusi.
The president of neighbouring South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, along with that of Guinea-Bissau Umaro, Sissoco Embalo, were present at the ceremony. (End)