Mozambique’s main opposition leader, Venâncio Mondlane, has called for national unity as the country braces for another wave of protests following disputed presidential elections.
Speaking from self-imposed exile in an undisclosed location, Mondlane addressed citizens via a Facebook livestream, urging them to join together in their communities at 11:45 p.m. on New Year’s Eve to sing the national anthem.
“We must rediscover our identity as Mozambicans,” he said.
Unrest and Rising Death Toll
The call for unity comes after Mozambique experienced its bloodiest week since October, when Mondlane first rejected the election results and called for protests.
A local monitoring group, Plataforma Decide, reported that 179 people were killed in riots last week after the constitutional court upheld the victory of ruling party candidate Daniel Chapo.
The total death toll since the demonstrations began now stands at 278, including protesters, children, and members of the security forces.
Mondlane fled the country in October, citing threats to his life after two of his aides were killed. Despite his exile, he continues to rally support, urging citizens to prepare for protests starting on January 2.
“I am ready to lose my life for this fight,” he declared, reaffirming his controversial pledge to install himself as president on January 15, the same day Chapo is set to be sworn in.
However, how Mondlane plans to take office remains unclear.
Government Response
Daniel Chapo, the declared winner, has pledged to serve as “the President for all” and address the turmoil. “We will soon work together on solutions to the problems caused by this unfortunate situation,” Chapo stated.
The electoral commission initially announced that Chapo secured 71% of the vote to Mondlane’s 20%.
However, the constitutional court later revised the results, lowering Chapo’s tally to 65% and raising Mondlane’s to 24%.
International observers have criticized the election, citing irregularities such as manipulated vote counts.
Economic and Regional Impact
The ongoing unrest has severely impacted Mozambique’s economy.
According to Onorio Manuel, vice-president of the Confederation of Economic Associations, over 12,000 jobs have been lost, and more than 500 companies have been vandalized.
Key infrastructure, including Frelimo offices, courts, police stations, and road toll booths, has been targeted.
Additionally, police reported the escape of over 1,500 prisoners from a maximum-security prison during the chaos.
The violence has also spilled over into neighboring countries. Thousands of Mozambicans have fled to Malawi, while South Africa has stepped up border security and dispatched a special envoy, Sydney Mufamadi, to discuss the crisis with outgoing President Filipe Nyusi.
As Mozambique prepares for a new year under the shadow of political turmoil, calls for unity and peaceful resolution are more urgent than ever.
Whether the nation can overcome its divisions remains to be seen.
BBC/Patience Ameh.
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