By EDN Reporter
MOZAMBIQUE’S new President Daniel Chapo promised to unite the country at his swearing-in ceremony on Wednesday.
As he was sworn in, Chapo vowed “to devote all my energies to defending, promoting and consolidating national unity, human rights, democracy and the well-being of the Mozambican people”.
With the sound of helicopters overhead, Chapo said during his inaugural speech that political dialogue was already underway and that “social harmony could not wait”, he was quoted by France24.
“We won’t rest until we have a united and cohesive country on the road to building well-being for all of us. It won’t be an easy journey, but we have to have full confidence in the strength of the Mozambican people, of our national unity.”
In his inaugural speech, Chapo said he would make changes, creating an independent police watchdog with civilian oversight.
Responding to calls for dialogue, Chapo has said that he would include opposition leader Venancio Mondlane in talks.
Mondlane, who returned to Mozambique last week after going into hiding abroad, has said he was ready for talks.
“I’m here in the flesh to say that if you want to negotiate… I’m here,” he said.
Chapo on Monday, called for stability and told journalists “We can continue to work and together, united… to develop our country.”
The inauguration was attended by heads of state from neighbouring nations, including Prime Minister Russell Dlamini and Presidents of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa and Guinea-Bissau’s, Umaro Sissoco Embalo.
The South African Presidency’s X account posted pictures of Ramaphosa’s arrival in Maputo and said the inauguration “provides an opportunity for all the people of Moçambique to work together towards peace, democracy and development.”
