Mozambican president Daniel Chapo challenged the new ministers appointed on Tuesday to face the “crucial moment” the country is going through with “audacity and courage”, defending political stability as a priority.
“Mozambique is going through a crucial moment in its history and our government is determined to work and face adversity with courage and audacity and to transform opportunities into progress for our people,” said Daniel Chapo, during the swearing-in ceremony of six new ministers, at the Cabinet office in Mozambique.
At issue is the post-election tension that the country has been going through since October, a period of strong social unrest, protests, demonstrations and stoppages called by former presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane, with violent clashes between the police and demonstrators, as well as looting and destruction of public and private property.
For the Mozambican head of state, political stabilisation must be the priority, as well as creating the conditions for a ‘favourable environment’.
“We know that true peace requires a constant commitment to ensuring political stability and harmony,” added the Mozambican head of state.
Daniel Chapo also challenged the new executive to improve the structural change that the country needs, as a way of “delivering to the people” a product that is adjusted to today’s great social, political and economic demands.
“Mozambique’s economy is the backbone of our development, which must be reflected in our people. Despite the challenges posed by global crises and internal adversities, our country’s potential remains untouched, unshaken and very promising,” he added.
The six ministers sworn in today join the rest of the government already in place, led by the prime minister, Maria Benvinda Levi, and with 12 other ministers.
The new group is made up of Nyelete Brooke Mondlane, as minister of combatants – she was minister of gender, children and social action in the previous government – Samaria dos Anjos Filemon Tovela, as minister of education and culture, and Ivete Ângela dos Anjos Ferrão Alane as minister of labour, gender and social action.
Also appointed were Ricardo Sengo as Cabinet minister for civil affairs, Fernando Rafael as minister for public works, housing and water resources, and Caifadine Manasse as minister for youth and sports.
With the appointments made so far, the new executive has 18 ministers in addition to the prime minister.
Lusa
