Gunfire echoes through the streets approaching Independence Square in the capital, Maputo, as demonstrators confront law enforcement.
Their voices resonate with fury as they shout at the masked faces of officers who attempt to scatter them using aggressive-looking dogs, tear gas, and live ammunition.
They disperse momentarily, yet their outrage is not easily suppressed.
They are voicing their discontent with the election and the regime while Daniel Chapo is inaugurated as president of Mozambique in the renowned square a short distance away.
Daniel Chapo and his spouse Gueta during the inauguration. Pic: AP
Beneath the ceremonial celebrations of the inauguration, there is discontent on the streets
“I demand change! Change the leadership!” a young man shouts directly into our camera.
“We need a different president! FRELIMO [the ruling party] is not right!”
Opponents of ruling leader Daniel Chapo demonstrate in Maputo. Pic: Reuters
Law enforcement utilizes crowd control dogs to suppress protest activities
Mr. Chapo’s party, FRELIMO (Frente de Libertação de Moçambique), has governed Mozambique since it prevailed in the struggle for independence from over three centuries of Portuguese colonial domination.
Former generals from the liberation era who became ministers have transitioned from being celebrated to despised, as rampant government corruption has taken hold.
Jordan claims that supporters of the opposition politician Venancio Mondlane are being killed
“I am furious!” exclaims 24-year-old Jordan. He states that he has traveled 12 kilometers (7.4 miles) to central Maputo to protest.
“I no longer take pride in being Mozambican because I witness my compatriots being slain in this nation.”
In Mr. Chapo’s absence, these demonstrators advocate for Venancio Mondlane – the figure they consider the legitimate victor of the election.
Mondlane himself has rallied thousands nationwide to repudiate the election outcomes in protests, during which at least 300 individuals have lost their lives at the hands of police.
Sky News observed this protester being repeatedly assaulted by police
“I stand for justice, and the consensus is that Venancio Mondlane was rightfully elected,” states architect Eramigio Chilaule.
“It is undeniable that elections took place, and we must honor the will of the people.”
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Local and independent monitors highlighted significant discrepancies in the election process.
On Tuesday, the Pan African Lawyers Union lodged a case with the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights against the Mozambican officials and institutions they allege orchestrated the election fraud.
As dignitaries convene at Independence Square to commemorate Daniel Chapo’s inauguration, Eramigio expresses that the ceremony is absurd.
Architect Eramigio Chilaule described the inauguration of Daniel Chapo as ‘absurd’
“It resembles more of a military affair, with overwhelming military presence, helicopters, tanks, dogs, and an array of armaments. Goodness, it’s such an unusual atmosphere for an inauguration. This should be a moment of celebration – yet it feels more akin to a military dictatorship.”
Mozambique has now welcomed a new president, ceremonially sworn in beneath the statue of founding leader Samora Machel.
However, the capital seems divided – the entrenched power and privilege accumulated over fifty years of single-party governance stand in stark contrast to the multitude of Mozambicans now rising in opposition.
