Key Takeaways:

• Daniel Chapo inaugurated as Mozambique's fifth president amidst protests from opposition supporters.
• Protests stem from disputed elections where Chapo's victory is contested by opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane.
• Chapo pledges to prioritize social harmony and economic improvements, amidst skepticism regarding political stability.
• The inauguration takes place against a backdrop of violence and unrest, with at least 300 fatalities reported post-elections.
• International leaders attended the ceremony, reflecting Mozambique's geopolitical significance.

MAPUTO, Mozambique — Despite the sweltering heat, hundreds of opposition supporters gathered on Wednesday to protest as Daniel Chapo was inaugurated as Mozambique's fifth president. The event, which took place outside the city hall in the capital, Maputo, was marked by a heavy police presence. Security forces wielding guns and batons restricted the protesters' access, sealing off several roads in anticipation of unrest. This comes in the wake of controversial elections that left at least 300 people dead, according to local and international human rights organizations.

Chapo, sworn in before approximately 2,500 attendees, acknowledged the current political turmoil in his inaugural speech. “We heard your voices before and during the protests and we will continue to listen,” he declared, emphasizing the necessity for social cohesion and consensus among the Mozambican populace. He conveyed a commitment to initiate dialogue, asserting that “social harmony cannot wait” as the nation grapples with the effects of a disrupted electoral process.

The Constitutional Council in December endorsed Chapo's victory, revealing that he secured 65.17% of the votes, while opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane received about 24%. Mondlane has criticized the election, prompting protests through social media platforms seeking the “restoration of electoral truth.” He recently returned from self-imposed exile, fearing for his life after violent incidents targeting members of his party post-elections.

Chapo's party, Frelimo, has been in power since Mozambique gained independence from Portugal in 1975, making Chapo the first president born after this significant historical milestone. In his remarks, he promised to prioritize “social and political stability,” while also addressing a severe seven-year jihadist insurgency in the northern province of Cabo Delgado.

Reflecting on the country’s dire economic situation, Chapo stated, “Mozambique cannot continue to be held hostage by corruption, inertia, cronyism, nepotism, sycophancy, incompetence and injustice.” He proposed a leaner government structure, suggesting it could save over $260 million which he aimed to reallocate towards alleviating poverty and enhancing living conditions for the populace.

However, skepticism regarding his pledges remains widespread among analysts with many arguing that genuine reconciliation among Mozambicans is imperative before addressing other issues. “We are listening to the same song,” said Maputo-based economic analyst Evaristo Cumbane. “The country is divided, we need to reconcile all Mozambicans first and then go for other things.”

As political tensions mount, the international community is closely monitoring the situation in Mozambique, with several nations, including South Africa and Portugal, represented at the inauguration, reflecting the wider implications of Mozambique’s political landscape.

For more on this developing story, visit the Los Angeles Times.