from ARMANDO DOMINGOS in Maputo, Mozambique
Mozambique Bureau
MAPUTO, (CAJ News) – THE landmark meeting between the country’s two fiercest rivals – comprising the president and the main opposition leader whose differences have left more than 300 people dead post election – provides hope for troubled Mozambique.
For the first time since the divisive elections in October, and the deadly protests that followed, President Daniel Chapo and opposition rival Venancio Mondlane have met, which was inevitable amid the crisis spiraling out of control in the Southern African country.
This is reprieve for Mozambique as it initially appeared the two will never smoke the peace pipe, particularly after Mondlane encouraged resistance from supporters and established a parallel administration.
There was jubilation at the Palácio da Ponta Vermelha, the official residence of the president in Maputo, with the two so-called political gladiators captured in handshake and being cordial.
The cordial atmosphere prevailed this week, in stark contrast to the six months of chaos.
Chapo’s office said part of efforts to consolidate peace, reconciliation and political stability in Mozambique.
The presidency added the meeting was also part of initiatives to restore confidence in public institutions and strengthen the democratic rule of law.
All these have been eroded following the most controversial poll in the country’s 50 years of independence from Portugal.
“The willingness to discuss common solutions represents a significant step forward in the search for a peaceful, united Mozambique committed to collective progress,” the presidency stated.
The meeting between Chapo and Mondlane also boosts an earlier agreement by the ruling Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (FRELIMO) and other opposition parties in and outside parliament to achieve similar targets.
But this was bound to be an exercise in futility with post-election demonstrations indicating Mondlane is the most popular politician, especially among the majority youth.
Some leaders, like Mondlane, had disputed the election of Chapo as the fifth president, a rigged outcome.
CAJ News Africa gathered that Chapo agreed to some proposals put forward by Mondlane. This includes the call for police to stop targeting Mondlane’s supporters and the readjustment of some economic policies.
Experts believe this dialogue was likely driven by the recent United States investment of $20 billion in the TotalEnergies gas project in Palma, Cabo Delgado, announced on March 15.
Mozambique’s government is wary any continued unrest could thwart this investment, hence the need to negotiate with the main opposition figure it had previously sidelined in efforts to restore peace.
“Chapo’s administration must now prove its sincerity by ending police brutality—like the recent Manhiça child shootings—and implementing VM7’s reforms, or risk further unrest,” said the rights group, Justice Frontil.
Equitas.VM is short for Venancio Mondlane.
Prof. Adriano Nuvunga, director of the Centre for Democracy and Human Rights, describes the meeting between the rivals as a glimmer for Mozambique.
“The meeting between the President and the opposition leader represents a necessary and noteworthy gesture — not only for its symbolism, but for the potential it holds to open channels for national dialogue and reconstruction,” he said.
Nuvunga nonetheless believes justice must prevail after the post-election violations.
“Mozambique’s democracy needs to be rescued. Let this be the beginning of a genuine process of reconciliation, active listening and meaningful reform. Mozambique deserves better,” he added.
– CAJ News