Mozambique’s main opposition leader, Venâncio Mondlane, has called for unity and peaceful solidarity ahead of a fresh wave of protests against the outcome of the country’s contentious presidential election.
In a live broadcast on his Facebook page from self-imposed exile, Mondlane urged Mozambicans to gather in their neighborhoods at 11:45 PM and sing the national anthem as a symbol of unity until the new year begins.
“We must find ourselves again as Mozambicans,” he said, emphasizing national cohesion amid ongoing political turmoil.
The call for unity comes after one of Mozambique’s deadliest weeks since protests erupted in October, following Mondlane’s rejection of the election results. According to the local monitoring group Plataforma Decide, 179 people died in riots last week alone, bringing the total death toll to 278 since demonstrations began.
Fatalities include protesters, children, and security personnel.
The unrest was triggered after the constitutional court upheld the victory of ruling party candidate Daniel Chapo, who was declared the winner with a revised tally of 65% of the vote, compared to Mondlane’s 24%. International observers had previously raised concerns about irregularities in the electoral process, including doctored numbers.
Mondlane, who fled the country after two of his aides were killed in October, reiterated his commitment to the cause, stating, “I am ready to lose my life for this fight.” He also encouraged citizens to “cook and socialize” within their neighborhoods before protests resume on January 2.
Despite being in exile, Mondlane has vowed to install himself as president on January 15, the same day Chapo is scheduled to be sworn in. However, it remains unclear how he plans to execute this declaration from outside the country.
In response, Chapo has pledged to serve as “the President for all” and expressed a commitment to addressing the challenges caused by the unrest.
The ongoing protests have severely impacted Mozambique’s economy, with over 12,000 people losing their jobs and more than 500 businesses vandalized, according to Onorio Manuel, vice-president of the Confederation of Economic Associations. Additionally, Frelimo party offices, police stations, courts, and toll booths have been targeted in violent demonstrations.
The chaos has also seen over 1,500 prisoners escape from a maximum-security prison, taking advantage of the unrest. Neighboring Malawi has reported an influx of Mozambican refugees fleeing the violence.
As the nation braces for another round of protests in January, the political crisis continues to cast a shadow over Mozambique’s stability and future.
