The former president of the Swiss Confederation, Viola Amherd, has congratulated Daniel Chapo on his election as the president of Mozambique, promising to continue the “important work” that the two countries have carried out together.
“Switzerland and the Republic of Mozambique have a long history of excellent bilateral relations and co-operation. By helping to implement the 2019 Maputo Agreement for Peace and National Reconciliation, Switzerland has reaffirmed its commitment to the Mozambican peace process and the implementation of decentralisation reforms,” says the Swiss leader’s message to the Mozambican president-elect.
In her letter, Viola Amherd wishes Daniel Chapo ‘success’ in his new role and recognises Switzerland’s aim to continue the “important work” together to “strengthen the deep friendship” between the two countries.
At least 2,500 people are expected in Maputo on 15 January for the inauguration ceremony of Mozambique’s new president, it was announced on Friday.
“The invitations to international organisations went out today and we expect to have confirmations on Monday (…) We have sent the invitations to the entire Southern African Development Community (SADC), to the African Union and to some European heads of state,” including Portugal, declared the vice-president of the Interministerial Commission for Major Events, Eldevina Materula, from Independence Square, where the ceremony will take place.
On 2 January, Mozambique’s Constitutional Council (CC) officially set 15 January for the inauguration of the new president, who will succeed Filipe Nyusi.
The CC, the final court of appeal in electoral disputes, proclaimed Daniel Chapo, the candidate supported by the ruling Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (Frelimo), as the winner of the election for country’s president, with 65.17% of the votes, succeeding Filipe Nyusi in office, as well as the victory of Frelimo, which retained its parliamentary majority, in the general elections on 9 October.
His election is, however, being contested on the streets and the CC’s announcement has added to the chaos that the country has been experiencing since October, with pro-Venâncio Mondlane demonstrators – a candidate who according to the Constitutional Council obtained only 24% of the votes but who claims victory – in protests demanding the “restoration of electoral truth”, with barricades, looting and clashes with the police, who have been firing shots in an attempt to demobilise them.
According to the vice-president of the Interministerial Commission for Major Events, the police have guaranteed that the event will take place safely.
“Security issues have been properly addressed. The ministry of the interior has guaranteed it,” she emphasised.
Clashes between the police and protesters have led to almost 300 deaths and more than 500 people have been injured by gunfire, according to civil society organisations monitoring the process.
In addition to Venâncio Mondlane, supported by the Optimist Party for the Development of Mozambique (Podemos), on the way to Ponta Vermelha (the official residence of the country’s president), Chapo faced Ossufo Momade (who got 6.62%), leader and supported by the Mozambican National Resistance (Renamo), which, before the elections was the main opposition force, and Lutero Simango (who got 4.02%), supported and leader of the Democratic Movement of Mozambique.
Viola Amherd was replaced as president of the Swiss Confederation on January 1, 2025 by Karin Keller-Sutter.
Lusa