Daniel Chapo, elected president of Mozambique, called on Friday for “non-violence” and “unity” of the southern African country, subjected since Monday to devastating urban riots, assuring in a press release that after his inauguration mid-January, he would be “the president of all”.
The Frelimo candidate, in power for half a century and whose victory in the October 9 presidential election was confirmed Monday by the country’s highest court, regretted “the violence, the destruction of public and private property, the death of fellow citizens” but also “the obstruction of roads, looting, ransacking and theft” observed for four days in several large cities, since this confirmation.
Daniel Chapo, 47, notes that the cities most affected are the capital Maputo and its neighbor Matola, but also Beira (center) and Nampula (north).
“These acts only contribute to the decline of the country and the increase in the number of Mozambicans who are heading towards unemployment and poverty,” underlines the former provincial governor who will lead this poor and unequal country in a few weeks.
Mr. Chapo expresses his “gratitude” towards the citizens who participate in “the removal of the barricades, with the aim of returning to normal life” quickly.
He also salutes “the defense and security forces who have distinguished themselves”, according to him, “by mitigating the harmful effects of this political polarization”, stressing that several police officers have lost their lives in the clashes of recent days.
He also regrets the impact on the country’s economy and its businesses. “We will soon work together to find solutions to the problems generated by this sad situation,” assures the president-elect.
Daniel Chapo finally promises all Mozambicans, whatever “their political preferences”, that he will be “the president of all” and that he will do “everything to renovate Mozambique together”.
Despite numerous irregularities raised by international observers, the Mozambican Constitutional Council confirmed on Monday that Mr. Chapo had won the presidential election with 65.17% of the votes, compared to nearly 71% of the votes announced in October by the electoral commission. .
At the call of the opposition, which denounces fraud and a “stolen” election, the country has already experienced two months of demonstrations, strikes and blockades which have cost the lives of at least 261 people, including 134 since the start of the week, according to an updated report on Friday from the local NGO Plataforma Decide.
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