Mozambique’s president-elect Daniel Chapo urges unity and non-violence amidst widespread unrest following elections marred by allegations of fraud. Following his victory, protests erupted, resulting in over 260 fatalities and thousands fleeing to Malawi for safety. Chapo has promised to govern all citizens and called for an end to the violence, as regional leaders offer assistance to alleviate the political crisis.
In the wake of extensive protests against alleged electoral fraud, Mozambique’s president-elect Daniel Chapo has called for unity and non-violence. Following his party’s contentious election victory, Chapo expressed regret over the violence that has ensued, asserting his commitment to being ‘the president of all’ once he is inaugurated in mid-January, notwithstanding the opposition’s allegations of vote-rigging.
Chapo’s controversial victory in the October election resulted in widespread civil unrest after it was upheld by Mozambique’s highest court. The disturbances have led to significant instability, resulting in thousands of citizens fleeing to neighboring Malawi. During protests organized by opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, riot-induced chaos was witnessed, leading to looting and an escape of inmates from a prison in Maputo.
According to local NGO Plataforma Decide, at least 134 people died during the unrest, escalating the total number of fatalities since the election to at least 261. Chapo has identified the cities most affected by the unrest as Maputo, Matola, Beira, and Nampula, warning that the violence exacerbates unemployment and poverty in Mozambique.
The governing Frelimo party has been in power since Mozambique’s independence in 1975, yet the opposition led by Mondlane claims electoral interference has undermined this democratic process. International observers corroborate these claims by citing several irregularities during the election where Chapo purportedly won around 65% of the vote.
With violence persisting, over 2,000 Mozambican families have sought refuge in Malawi, as reported by Malawian authorities. The commissioner for Nsanje district indicated these individuals are in dire need of humanitarian assistance, underlining the humanitarian crisis brewing as a result of the political turmoil in Mozambique. Observers from the region are pushing for collaborative dialogue to resolve the ongoing political deadlock, citing the nation’s critical role in regional trade.
In summary, Mozambique’s president-elect Daniel Chapo has appealed for unity and peace in light of significant unrest following his disputed electoral victory. The violence has led to numerous fatalities and a humanitarian crisis prompting thousands to flee to Malawi. The opposition’s claims of electoral fraud underscore deep political divisions, and regional leaders are advocating for dialogue to stabilize the situation and restore order in Mozambique.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
