Mozambique’s main opposition leader, Venâncio Mondlane, has declared his intention to assume the presidency on 15 January, rejecting the results of the October presidential elections.
His announcement comes amid violent protests by his supporters across the country, calling for an end to the Frelimo party’s 49-year rule.
On Christmas Eve, Maputo, the capital, was largely deserted as businesses shut down and people stayed indoors, fearing violence amid the worst unrest the city has seen since Mozambique’s independence in 1975.
Frelimo’s offices, police stations, banks, and factories have been looted and set on fire, while at least 21 people have been killed in the violence since Monday, according to the interior minister.
The unrest erupted after Mozambique’s highest court upheld the victory of Frelimo’s candidate, Daniel Chapo, who was declared the winner with 71% of the vote.
Mondlane, who contested the result, claimed the election was rigged.
In a Facebook live broadcast, Mondlane announced that he would assume the presidency on 15 January, the same day Chapo is scheduled to be sworn in.
Mondlane, currently in self-imposed exile, urged his supporters to remain peaceful despite the ongoing unrest. “We are with the people. We do not advocate any form of violence,” he said.
Chapo has yet to comment on Mondlane’s declaration. The election marked the first presidential run for both candidates, with the electoral commission initially declaring Chapo the winner with 71% of the vote and Mondlane receiving 20%.
However, the constitutional court later revised the result, giving Chapo 65% and Mondlane 24%.
Rights groups have reported that more than 100 people have died in the unrest since the election, with accusations that security forces are responsible for many of the deaths.
Mondlane fled the country after alleging threats from the police, and two of his aides were killed in October.
A former pastor, Mondlane ran as an independent after leaving the opposition Renamo party. His support is strongest among young people, many of whom are unemployed and seeking change.
Chapo, Frelimo’s youngest-ever presidential candidate at 47, has denied accusations of election rigging, stating, “We are an organised party that prepares its victories.”
Source-BBC
