Protest action resumed in Mozambique this morning as members of parliament (MPs) prepare to be sworn in today ahead of the presidential inauguration ceremony of Frelimo’s Daniel Chapo, planned for Wednesday.

Venâncio Mondlane, presidential candidate of the Optimistic Party for the Development of Mozambique (Podemos), called on his followers to initiate strike action from today until Wednesday, between 07:00 and 17:00. However, he made it clear that protests should be peaceful, with no destruction or violence.

In a Facebook Live video on Sunday, Mondlane said the protest aims to demonstrate dissatisfaction with the ‘traitors of the people’ who will take office in the Assembly of the Republic of Mozambique today. The protests should continue until Wednesday when Chapo is set to take office.

Mondlane said sovereignty lies with the people and the country can’t have two presidents – the other being him.

He gave a stern warning to police and special forces to cease the ‘killing’ of unarmed youths.

Mondlane said he has not been approached for dialogue with the ruling party and that the only way it would happen is if the agenda included the will and well-being of the people.

Issues he said need to be addressed include building homes, establishing a fund to assist small businesses that fell victim to vandalism, the release of 5 000 people arrested during the protests and medical treatment for the injured.

In a statement released by the Mozambique Democratic Movement (MDM), the party said its elected members would not participate in today’s ceremony. The party stated that it is committed to justice, reconciliation and the struggle for a democratic Mozambique. It called for an end to hostilities against political opponents.

The MDM stated it makes no sense for MPs to be sworn in if the party does not agree with election results.

Mozambique’s Public Integrity Centre stated that opposition party Renamo had indicated it too would not be part of the swearing-in.