Mozambican opposition leader Venancio Mondlane has called for a three-day protest starting this week, following allegations of electoral fraud in the October 2024 elections. Mondlane, who recently returned from exile, has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the results, claiming he was robbed of victory. The protests are scheduled to coincide with the new parliamentary session, set to begin on Monday, and the presidential inauguration of Daniel Chapo on Wednesday.
In a Facebook post on Saturday, Mondlane declared a “national strike” and urged the public to participate in peaceful demonstrations to express their opposition to the official election results. He called for a nationwide paralysis of activities for three days, emphasizing that the protests were crucial to determine the future of the country. “These three days are important to decide what future the people want,” Mondlane wrote.
The October 2024 elections saw the ruling Frelimo party securing a significant win, with 171 seats in the newly elected parliament. Podemos, a small opposition party led by Mondlane, won 43 seats, while the historic Renamo party garnered 28, and the MDM opposition group secured eight seats. Despite the official result, Mondlane and his supporters are contesting the legitimacy of the outcome, claiming it does not reflect the will of the people.
Mondlane’s protest calls come at a tense time for the country, as Frelimo’s Daniel Chapo is set to take over from outgoing President Filipe Nyusi. Chapo, who is largely unknown in state politics and has no prior government experience, is set to be invested as president on Wednesday. Mondlane has vowed to oppose his inauguration, framing it as a “betrayal of the will of the people.”
As the country braces for the protests, the tension surrounding the election results, the transfer of power, and the legitimacy of the new government remains palpable. Mondlane’s call for action reflects the ongoing dissatisfaction and unrest among large sections of the population, particularly within opposition ranks.
