Mozambique’s primary opposition leader, Venâncio Mondlane, has asserted that he will declare himself president on 15 January following his rejection of the presidential election results.
His declaration coincided with violent protests from his supporters across the nation, who are calling for an end to the 49 years of Frelimo party governance.
On Christmas Eve, the capital Maputo resembled a deserted town, with nearly all businesses closed and residents staying indoors to avoid the most severe unrest in the city since Frelimo assumed power at independence in 1975.
Frelimo’s offices, police stations, banks, and factories have faced looting, vandalism, and arson across the country. The interior minister reported that at least 21 people have died in the unrest since Monday.
The recent unrest ignited on Monday after Mozambique’s highest court reaffirmed the victory of Frelimo’s presidential candidate, Daniel Chapo, in the elections conducted in October.
Mondlane contested the outcome, claiming the election was manipulated.
During a Facebook live stream for his supporters on Tuesday, Mondlane stated he rejected the constitutional court’s decision, declaring he would take the office of president on 15 Januarythe same day Chapo is scheduled to be inaugurated.
President Filipe Nyusi is set to step down at the conclusion of his two terms.
It remains unclear how Mondlane plans to assume office, as he is presently in self-imposed exile in an undisclosed location.
He has consistently mobilized his supporters through Facebook live speeches but has encouraged them to maintain peace.
“We stand with the people. We do not support any form of violence,” Mondlane expressed in his latest speech.
Chapo has not responded to his declaration yet.
The October election marked the first time for both candidates to compete for the presidency, with the electoral commission announcing Chapo as the victor with 71% of the vote compared to Mondlane’s 20%.
The constitutional court later adjusted the figures, awarding Frelimo’s candidate 65% and Mondlane 24%.
Human rights organizations report that over 100 individuals have lost their lives in the unrest since the elections.
They accuse the security forces of being responsible for a number of these fatalities, although police chief Bernadino Rafael previously informed the BBC that his officers were acting in self-defense after being attacked.
Mondlane departed Mozambique after accusing police of intimidation, and two of his aides were shot dead in October.
The 50-year-old evangelical pastor ran in the election as an independent after splitting from the leading opposition Renamo party.
His strongest support comes from young people, many of whom are unemployed and seeking change.
Frelimo presented the 47-year-old Chapo as its youngest presidential candidate ever.
He has previously dismissed claims that he and Frelimo manipulated the election, asserting: “We are an organized party that prepares for its victories. “
