Johannesburg, South Africa – Mozambique is experiencing one of its worst political and social crises in recent years, marked by violent protests and allegations of electoral fraud. The unrest began after Daniel Chapo of the ruling FRELIMO party was declared the winner of the December 3, 2024, presidential election with 56% of the vote. Venâncio Mondlane, leader of the opposition RENAMO party, rejected the results, citing irregularities but failing to provide concrete evidence.
AfricaHeadline Reports Team
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The protests, initially peaceful, quickly escalated into widespread violence, resulting in the destruction of public and private infrastructure and significantly affecting the country’s economy and social services.
Timeline of events
December 3, 2024 – The National Electoral Commission (CNE) declared Daniel Chapo the winner of the presidential election. Mondlane, who garnered 41% of the votes, rejected the results and called for protests.
December 8-12, 2024 – Protests erupted in Maputo and Beira. In Maputo, protesters vandalized government buildings and clashed with police. In Beira, 12 buses were set on fire, and municipal offices were looted. At least five people were killed, and 30 others injured in the clashes.
December 23, 2024 – The Constitutional Council upheld Chapo’s victory, sparking further protests. In Quelimane, demonstrators set schools and public offices on fire. In Cabo Delgado, road blockades worsened instability in the region.
December 25, 2024 – A mass prison break in Maputo further deepened the crisis. Around 6,000 inmates escaped, including 150 linked to insurgencies in Cabo Delgado. During the incident, 33 prisoners were killed, and 15 others were injured.
January 9, 2025 – Venâncio Mondlane returned to the country after self-imposed exile in South Africa. Thousands of supporters gathered at Maputo’s airport, where police dispersed the crowd with tear gas. At least 12 people were injured. In a fiery speech, Mondlane vowed to continue contesting the election results.
Economic and Social impacts
The crisis has inflicted significant damage on public infrastructure and the private sector. Over 80 government buildings have been destroyed, with reconstruction costs estimated at 800 million meticais. Businesses in Maputo and Beira reported a 60% drop in revenue due to insecurity and disruptions in supply chains.
In the education sector, over 2,500 schools have been forced to close, affecting 1.3 million students. Hospitals have also been severely impacted, with 14 facilities vandalized in Zambezia Province alone.
Internationally, the unrest prompted ExxonMobil to suspend operations in Cabo Delgado, jeopardizing crucial liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects vital to the country’s economic recovery.
Responses and Challenges
The government has deployed 10,000 security personnel, established checkpoints, and imposed curfews in critical areas. President-elect Daniel Chapo has called for dialogue, stating:
“Mozambique cannot afford to let division derail progress. Dialogue is the only way forward.”
Mediators from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union have arrived to facilitate negotiations, but Mondlane remains resistant to any discussions.
An uncertain future
Daniel Chapo’s inauguration is scheduled for January 15, with 5,000 security personnel mobilized to ensure the ceremony proceeds without disruption. However, over 10,000 people have fled their homes, seeking refuge in neighboring countries such as Malawi and Zambia.
The nation remains deeply divided, with many citizens calling for peace and stability. As one Beira resident observed amidst the ruins of a local school:
“We want peace, not destruction. Mozambique deserves better.”
