By Nakiwala Barbra
Mozambique’s political landscape remains fraught with tension following the swearing-in of its 10th parliament on January 13, 2025.
The ceremony, overshadowed by opposition boycotts and nationwide protests, has underscored the deep divisions stemming from the disputed October 9, 2024, elections.
The ruling Frelimo party, which secured a commanding 171 seats, and the Optimistic People for the Development of Mozambique (Podemos), with 43 seats, were present at the event. However, conspicuously absent were representatives from the Mozambican National Resistance (Renamo), with 28 seats, and the Movement for Democracy (MDM), holding eight seats. Both opposition parties boycotted the ceremony, citing allegations of widespread electoral fraud.
Renamo’s prominent leader, Venâncio Mondlane, recently returned from self-imposed exile and has taken center stage in the escalating political crisis. Calling the elections a sham, Mondlane urged Podemos legislators to boycott the swearing-in, framing participation as a betrayal of the people’s trust. Despite his calls, Podemos president Abino Forquilha directed his MPs to attend, emphasizing the importance of honoring their mandate. “What we’re going to do today is very important,” Forquilha remarked.
The political crisis has spilled into the streets, with protests called by Mondlane resulting in deadly clashes. Demonstrations, scheduled to coincide with the upcoming inauguration of President-elect Daniel Chapo from Frelimo, have already led to three fatalities, according to election monitors.
Outgoing President Filipe Nyusi addressed the newly sworn-in parliament, urging calm and unity. He called on lawmakers to seek solutions to the nation’s challenges through dialogue and warned against fomenting unrest. “We must discourage disorder that causes deaths in society,” Nyusi implored.
Meanwhile, Renamo and MDM remain steadfast in their demands for accountability. Renamo spokesperson Marciel Macome reaffirmed the party’s abstention from parliamentary activities, while MDM president Lutero Simango has called for a forensic audit or a recount of the contentious October vote. Both parties have rejected the Constitutional Council’s endorsement of the electoral commission’s results, further fueling the political impasse.
The turmoil is taking a toll on Mozambique’s economy, disrupting cross-border trade and threatening key industries. As the international community watches closely, many are urging dialogue to avert further escalation and chart a path toward national reconciliation.
With protests continuing and political tensions at a boiling point, Mozambique faces a critical moment in its history, as the actions of its leaders in the coming days could shape the country’s trajectory for years to come.
