While Daniel Chapo, Mozambique’s newly inaugurated president, promised at his inauguration yesterday that he would focus on renewal in the country, including significant changes in governance, Podemos’ Venâncio Mondlane told his followers last night that he considered himself sworn in as president when he arrived back in the country on January 9.

Mondlane said in comparison to his swearing-in, which was open and celebrated by the people, Chapo’s was marked by militarisation and fear.

Mondlane promised to announce his vision for his first 100 days in office at 15:00 tomorrow.

Promises made

Chapo said he would reduce the number of ministries and eliminate state secretariats, which would save the country around 17 billion Meticais a year. He promised to fight corruption by creating a state procurement centre to supervise public purchases and said public companies would be scrutinised.

Chapo’s speech repeatedly used the motto ‘Let’s work’ when referring to fighting corruption, focusing on administrative efficiency and promoting inclusive economic development.

He made mention of Mozambique’s challenges, citing terrorism in Cabo Delgado, kidnappings in the city of Maputo and socio-economic issues such as youth unemployment and poverty.

Mondlane criticised Chapo’s speech and said he was a ‘product of fraud and corruption’.

Reports of sporadic incidents of violence, police brutality and the further destruction of infrastructure like tollgates were shared on various social media platforms in Mozambique during the day and this morning.

‼️ Portagem de Malova, província de Inhambane, distrito de Massinga 16.01.2025 esta conteçer isso agora

Esse país que vão governar ou pensam que Moçambique é só Maputo?

Província onde chapo foi governador pic.twitter.com/C3BaS5NCmR

— POVO NO PODER 🇲🇿 (@JerThaPlug) January 16, 2025