PoliticsOpposition leader in Mozambique calls for demonstrations
SDA
12.1.2025 - 09:21
Mozambique's opposition leader Venancio Mondlane (M) talks to journalists on his arrival at Mavalane International Airport. Following serious unrest over the outcome of the presidential election in Mozambique, opposition politician Mondlane has returned from exile. Photo: Carlos Uqueio/AP/dpa
Keystone
The opposition leader in Mozambique, Venâncio Mondlane, who has returned from exile, has called on his supporters to protest against the forthcoming swearing-in of Daniel Chapo as president of the south-east African country. In a speech broadcast on his Facebook page, he also appealed for people to refrain from violence and looting.
Keystone-SDA
12.01.2025, 09:21
SDA
Chapo belongs to the ruling party Frelimo, which has governed the former Portuguese colony since 1975. Regular elections have only been held in the country of around 35 million inhabitants since 1994. Chapo is scheduled to be sworn in on January 15.
Since the presidential and parliamentary elections in October, there have been protests and demonstrations in Mozambique, some of which have ended in riots and violence. They escalated again in December when the Constitutional Council confirmed Chapo's election as the new president with 65% of the vote.
Mondlane, who received 24% of the vote, rejected the result as rigged. He temporarily went into exile, but returned to Mozambique last week, where he once again declared his claim to the presidency and described himself as the elected president.