Maputo calm after Chapo inauguration but residents on edge for possible unrest
President Daniel Chapo was inaugurated on Wednesday among a small gathering of international leaders, including President Cyril Ramaphosa, at Independence Square in Maputo.
Daniel Chapo was inaugurated as the president of Mozambique in Maputo on 15 January 2025. Picture: GCIS
MAPUTO - The situation in Maputo is calm for now, but residents remain on edge for further possible unrest.
Earlier on Wednesday, police clashed with a small group of protesters during the inauguration of president-elect Daniel Chapo.
Chapo retained his title of president following weeks of unrest after his party, Frelimo, outright won the country’s general elections in October.
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Allegations of voter rigging then followed, casting the country into chaos as opposition leaders called citizens to action.
A small group of supporters of opposition leader, Venancio Mondlane, faced off with police in Maputo on Wednesday afternoon as authorities were forced to fire stun grenades to disperse the unruly crowd.
This as President Daniel Chapo was inaugurated among a small gathering of international leaders, including President Cyril Ramaphosa, at Independence Square in Maputo.
The streets of the usually vibrant city remain stranded as police and military personnel carry out heightened patrols, looking to quickly quell the possibility of any unrest.
Residents say they are uncertain of what the coming days and near future holds for their country, as businesses remain on the back foot following months of civil unrest.
Some claim their story is a tale of two presidents, as opposition leader, Mondlane, continues to enjoy a staunch following within the country.