“My impression is that there are deadlocks within the governing coalition or stemming from the current crisis” – Professor José Jaime Macuane
By MOZTIMES
Maputo (MOZTIMES)—This Wednesday marks one week since Daniel Chapo was sworn in as the fifth President of Mozambique, yet he has not completed his government. Out of 18 ministries, Chapo has so far appointed 12 ministers and the Prime Minister. Six ministers, including in key sectors such as Education, Labour, and Justice, remain to be appointed.
The delay in forming the government seems unjustifiable, given that since his nomination as Frelimo’s presidential candidate in May 2024, it was almost certain he would become President of Mozambique, considering Frelimo’s dominant status. Frelimo has governed Mozambique since independence and has been declared the winner of all multiparty elections held since 1994.
Chapo was proclaimed President-elect by the Constitutional Council at the end of last December, meaning that he has had ample time to form his government.
The delay in finalising the full governing team can only be explained by political factors and negotiations within and beyond Frelimo, according to José Jaime Macuane, a Professor of Political Science at Eduardo Mondlane University.
“My impression is that there are deadlocks within the governing coalition or stemming from the current crisis, which must be delaying the decision (to form the government),” said Macuane in an interview.
All 12 ministers appointed by Daniel Chapo so far are Frelimo members, and many held positions in the previous government of Filipe Nyusi. These include Defence Minister Cristóvão Chume, who retained the same role in the outgoing government; Finance Minister Carla Louveira, who previously served as Deputy Minister in the same department; and Minister of State Administration and Public Service Inocêncio Impissa, who was also Deputy Minister in the same portfolio.
There is anticipation that Daniel Chapo might appoint members of the opposition or figures from civil society to ministerial positions as a gesture of inclusivity by bringing individuals from outside Frelimo into the government. If this were to happen, it would be unprecedented, as over the 50 years of Frelimo’s governance, no one outside the party has ever been appointed to a ministerial role without later being co-opted into Frelimo.
"The appointments for the remaining portfolios are crucial for the country’s governance, considering that political bargaining tools were reduced with the elimination of Deputy Minister positions and, furthermore, because no signs of inclusivity have been demonstrated in the appointments made so far," stated Macuane. "Hence, in my view, there is a need to accommodate multiple interests both within and outside Frelimo with these appointments," he added.
Daniel Chapo is also expected to appoint Ministers in the President’s Office for specific portfolios, such as Civil and Parliamentary Affairs, should he choose to follow the tradition of his predecessors. (MT)
