Daniel Chapo Sworn in as President of Mozambique

Daniel Chapo, a member of Mozambique’s long-ruling Frelimo party, has been sworn in as the country’s new president. The ceremony, held in Maputo on Wednesday, saw around 1,500 supporters gather as Chapo took the oath of office, vowing to protect democracy and human rights. His inauguration comes amid ongoing unrest, with an NGO reporting over 300 deaths in protests alleging election fraud.

In his first address as president, Chapo, who was relatively unknown before his victory in October’s elections, pledged to dedicate his efforts to national unity, human rights, and the well-being of the Mozambican people. The 48-year-old also committed to reducing the size of government by cutting the number of ministries and addressing issues such as youth unemployment, healthcare, and education.

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While the ceremony was sparsely attended, heavy security was evident throughout Maputo, with roads around Independence Square blocked by security forces. The centre of the city remained largely deserted, as tensions continued in the wake of the disputed elections.

Among the few international leaders present at the event was South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa, who attended the inauguration as a show of diplomatic support.