Daniel Chapo inaugurated as Mozambique’s President

Daniel Chapo was inaugurated as Mozambique’s fifth president on Wednesday in Maputo, despite ongoing protests over disputed election results.

In his speech, the 48-year-old law graduate emphasized the need for unity and dialogue. “Social harmony cannot wait. We will not rest until we have a united and cohesive country,” he said.

Chapo, the first president born after Mozambique’s independence from Portugal in 1975, won the election with 65.17 percent of the vote, according to the Constitutional Council. Opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane, who received 24 percent, has called for protests, alleging electoral fraud.

Chapo inherits a nation grappling with a seven-year jihadist insurgency in Cabo Delgado, high unemployment, widespread corruption, and frequent civil servant strikes. He pledged reforms, including a leaner government to save over US$260 million for social programs.

“Mozambique cannot remain hostage to corruption, cronyism, and incompetence. Let’s get to work,” Chapo declared, while acknowledging the country’s severe economic and social challenges.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Guinea-Bissau’s Umaro Sissoco Embaló attended the ceremony, alongside representatives from other nations, including Portugal.