On March 5, 2025, Mozambique’s government declared a “Day of Dialogue,” signed by President Chapo to address post-election strife. However, protests led by Venancio Mondlane called for accountability following allegations of election fraud. Police violence tarnished the day’s significance, rising tensions reveal a divided political landscape, with Mondlane pursuing a new party amidst significant challenges. Experts believe his influence may grow leading up to the 2029 elections.
On March 5, 2025, the Mozambican government declared a “Day of Dialogue” in an effort to address the post-election crisis following the contentious presidential election in October 2024. President Daniel Chapo signed an agreement with all parliamentary political parties, but the day devolved into chaos as violent protests erupted instead of meaningful discussions.
Demonstrations led by former presidential candidate Venancio Mondlane, who claimed he was unjustly excluded from the dialogue, drew thousands of supporters through Maputo’s impoverished neighborhoods. Mondlane accused the ruling FRELIMO party of election fraud and vowed to lead “daily protests over the next five years” if he remained sidelined from political discussions.
Security forces responded with brutality, employing tear gas and live ammunition during the peaceful protest, resulting in injuries to at least 16 individuals, including two children. Mondlane’s current whereabouts remain unknown after his sudden disappearance amid the unrest, with his spokesperson condemning the police violence as unjustified.
FRELIMO, which has governed Mozambique since 1975, faces challenges from Mondlane’s growing influence. Although Chapo espouses a reconciliatory approach, critics argue that actual policy actions do not reflect this rhetoric. Mondlane, a charismatic figure with roots in the RENAMO movement, has been active in opposing FRELIMO’s rule, having previously founded his coalition, the Coligacao Alianca Democratica (CAD).
After being excluded from the elections, Mondlane ran as an independent but claimed the opposition party “PODEMOS” was bribed to recognize disputed election results. He is now attempting to establish a new political party, the “National Alliance for an Autonomous and Free Mozambique” (ANAMALALA). However, bureaucratic hurdles and legal irregularities are complicating its formation.
Political analyst Sismo Eduardo Muchaiabande noted that Mondlane’s new party may resonate with voters disillusioned by traditional parties, suggesting that he could pose a significant challenge to FRELIMO in the next elections set for 2029.
The political landscape in Mozambique remains tense, marked by Chapo’s conciliatory yet ineffective gestures, ongoing protests led by Mondlane, and the emergence of new political movements. The volatility of public sentiment reflects a growing disenchantment with the ruling party and an increasing desire for genuine political representation. The next elections in 2029 will likely be crucial for determining Mozambique’s political future, especially regarding Mondlane’s potential to mobilize support through his newly proposed party.
Original Source: www.dw.com
