Partner Update: Mozambique Post-Election
On October 24, the Mozambique election commission announced the election of Daniel Chapo from the Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (Frelimo) as the new President of Mozambique, with 70.7 percent of the votes. While this electoral outcome reflects the democratic process, the general elections held on October 9, 2024, have been marred by post-election violence, including the tragic assassination of an opposition lawyer and an official linked to the runner-up candidate. Reports from human rights observers indicate that over 50 individuals sustained severe injuries, and at least 11 lives were lost in confrontations involving security forces during protests by opposition supporters on October 24 and 25.
The Christian Council of Mozambique (CCM) conducted election observation and monitoring in collaboration with the Fellowship of Christian Councils in Southern Africa (FOCCISA), All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC), and international observers from Zimbabwe, the Kingdom of Eswatini, Burundi, Kenya, Tanzania and Malawi. Among the international observers was the General Secretary of the Council of Swaziland Churches (CSC), who served as an observer in the capital city of Maputo. Collaborative reports from him and other observers across various provinces indicated that election day was peaceful, except for one incident involving police action against an individual attempting to disrupt the vote counting. Additionally, voter turnout was impressive, especially among the youth, indicating a strong interest in civic participation.
A day after the elections, Venâncio Mondlane, an independent presidential candidate backed by the leading opposition party, the Optimistic People for the Development of Mozambique (PODEMOS), began to announce himself as the winner and issued threats of violence if he was not officially declared the victor. In response, the Christian Council of Mozambique released a pastoral letter urging citizens and all parties to remain calm and to await the official results “peacefully” and “without violence.” When the election results were announced, Mr. Mondlane finished second among the four candidates, receiving 20.3 percent of the vote.
Violence erupted following the announcement of the election results, leading to publicized clashes. In response, the U.S. Embassy and other organizations issued a joint statement urging restraint. The Christian Council of Mozambique (CCM) called for a time of prayer and fasting for the nation. Unfortunately, the violence persisted, and the PODEMOS youth have organized more demonstrations planned for October 31 to November 7, 2024. Due to the unrest, a nationwide curfew has been implemented, restricting citizens from going outside and requiring them to remain at home.
The Christian Council of Mozambique (CCM) has called for a period or prayer and fasting for the nation. They have requested that all churches gather at the Maputo City Council building on November 2, at 9:00 a.m. for a prayer and fasting event. Attendees are encouraged to wear their church attire or a white shirt or blouse with black pants or skirt, referred to as “peace attire.”
The Fellowship of Christian Councils in Southern Africa (FOCCISA) is still discussing how to intervene in the situation.
Global Ministries invites you to join our partner and siblings in Mozambique in prayer for peace, stability, and unity.