On Monday 27 January, the Mozambican President, Daniel Francisco Chapo, made official a series of new ministerial appointments aimed at consolidating his Executive.
Nyeleti Brooke Mondlane will continue to hold the post of Minister of Combatants, reinforcing the head of state’s commitment to continuity and stability in strategic sectors. The decision was communicated through presidential orders published by the Presidential Press Office.
In addition to Nyeleti Mondlane, the President appointed Samaria dos Anjos Filemon Tovela as Minister of Education and Culture, a portfolio seen as essential for the country’s social and cultural development. Ivete Ângela dos Anjos Ferrão Alane was appointed Minister of Labour, Gender and Social Action, assuming a central role in promoting social inclusion and reducing inequalities.
Ricardo Sengo was appointed Minister in the Presidency for Civil House Affairs, while Fernando Rafael was appointed Minister of Public Works, Housing and Water Resources, a sector considered crucial for Mozambique’s infrastructural development. Finally, Caifadine Paulo Manasse was appointed Minister of Youth and Sports, with responsibility for strengthening policies aimed at young people and sport.
These appointments come in a troubled political context, marked by post-election tensions that intensified after the October 2024 general elections. Daniel Chapo, who was declared the winner and sworn in at the beginning of January, is facing accusations of electoral fraud from the opposition, led by Venâncio Mondlane.
The demonstrations resulted in violence on the streets, with records of more than 300 deaths, hundreds of injuries and thousands of arrests, according to reports by civil society organisations such as the electoral platform Decide.
With the formation almost complete, the new government now faces the challenge of pacifying the country and implementing measures that promote stability and sustainable development.
Expectations rest on the Executive’s ability to translate these appointments into concrete actions that respond to the needs of the population and strengthen social cohesion at a time of great political and economic challenges for Mozambique.
