The Head of State, Daniel Chapo, said on Thursday, 24 April, that despite challenges, the country has made significant progress that has helped socio-economic development at various levels, especially in the education, health and infrastructure sectors.
‘There have been advances in the health sector, with an increase in the number of medical specialists in different areas, and also the expansion of the electricity grid, ensuring the supply of energy in all national districts,’ said the head of state during a rally in the district of Mutarara, in the central province of Tete.
According to the Mozambican President, progress in the expansion of higher education, which currently has more than 50 universities, as well as the development of access roads linking various parts of Mozambique, should be highlighted. ‘When we achieved independence, 97% of the population could not read or write, from Rovuma to Maputo, but today the scenario has changed,’ he recalled.
In his speech, Daniel Chapo called for an end to ‘the destruction in the country,’ insisting: ‘We need a free and democratic environment where no one should be forced to be a member of any political party.’
Recently, Chapo called for Mozambicans to unite to achieve national economic independence. ‘On the foundations of economic independence, the important thing is that each of us does our part, in the fields, at work, in the shacks, in companies, wherever we are, doubling our efforts and dedication in our workplace and in our area of activity.’
The government will ensure public policies that will make domestic and foreign investment more ‘viable.’ ‘We will make the business environment more viable for the creation of more jobs, income and housing for the people, especially for young people. More public and private infrastructure, more water, more quality education in terms of quantity, more health, greater production,’ said the president.
Mozambique experienced almost five months of post-election tension, a period marked by widespread demonstrations that led to the deaths of 390 people during clashes between civilians and the police. The unrest, which caused huge losses to the economy, was encouraged by former presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane, who does not recognise the results of the 9 October elections, which were won by Frelimo and its candidate, Daniel Chapo.
In April, Parliament unanimously and definitively approved the political agreement law to pacify the country, including the revision of the Constitution of the Republic and the powers of the President. The legal mechanism, approved by the four parties that make up the Mozambican Parliament, is based on the agreement between the head of state, Daniel Chapo, and all political parties, signed on 5 March and submitted to the Assembly of the Republic for urgent consideration.
Meanwhile, on 23 March, Venâncio Mondlane and Daniel Chapo met for the first time and a commitment was made to end violence in the country.
