Daniel Chapo and Opposition Sign Political Agreement Without Venâncio Mondlane

- President states that the agreement aims to achieve political stability and highlights that it is the first multilateral agreement signed in Mozambique

- Researcher João Feijó considers the agreement without Venâncio Mondlane a political charade

By José Calanga and Noémia Mendes

Maputo (MOZTIMES) – President Daniel Chapo is set to sign a political agreement this Wednesday with leaders or representatives of political parties with seats in the Mozambican parliament, the Assembly of the Republic, in Provincial Assemblies, and in Municipal Assemblies. The agreement aims to establish a foundation for stabilising the country, which is experiencing a severe post-election crisis.

During his last meeting with the political party leaders and representatives who are expected to sign the agreement, Chapo stated that the goal is to achieve "the necessary political, economic, and social stability in our country."

Speaking on Tuesday at the end of an official visit to neighbouring South Africa, Chapo emphasised that this will be the first time a multilateral political agreement has been signed in Mozambique, unlike previous agreements, which were bilateral and signed between the government and the former rebel movement Renamo.

"Principles have been established so that we can discuss Mozambique, rather than individuals, personal interests, or group interests. That is the objective of this agreement that will be signed," the president declared.

The agreement is also expected to include a review of the Constitution and the Electoral Legislation.

Exclusion of Venâncio Mondlane

Despite the president's optimism, one of the most significant aspects of this agreement is the absence of Venâncio Mondlane, the presidential candidate who was the runner-up in the 9 October elections, according to the official results.

Mondlane has been the face of the post-election protests that began in October. Initially focused on contesting the election results, the protests have since evolved into broader grievances, including the cost of living crisis.

Data from civil society organisations monitoring the unrest indicate that more than 300 people have been killed – the majority shot by Mozambican police officers during clashes. The Mozambican government, however, recognises only 80 deaths. In recent days, Daniel Chapo has classified the protests as terrorism, a stance echoed by former president Armando Guebuza.

The political dialogue initially began in the final days of Filipe Nyusi's government and, in its original format, included presidential candidates. A notable moment was when Renamo leader Ossufo Momade stated that, without Venâncio Mondlane's presence, the dialogue would not be effective. At the time, Momade reminded Filipe Nyusi and the other presidential candidates that the protests driving the dialogue were initiated by Mondlane.

At the time, Mondlane was in self-imposed exile in an undisclosed location. Even after his return to the country and his willingness to engage in dialogue, Daniel Chapo never invited him to participate in the political process.

In a recent interview with Radio Mozambique, Mozambique Television (TVM), and Miramar TV, President Chapo stated that anyone wishing to speak with him could request an audience at the presidency—suggesting that Mondlane could do so if he wished to engage in dialogue.

Various sectors of society have urged Chapo to engage directly with Mondlane, but the Mozambican president appears to be pursuing an alternative approach to stabilising the country.

"It's a political charade"

Sociologist and researcher João Feijó considers the signing of the agreement between Daniel Chapo and the opposition party leaders without the central figure of the crisis, Venâncio Mondlane, will be a mere political charade with no real impact on stabilising the country.

"This is a performance by the current president to appear as a peacemaker when, in reality, he is not. If he truly wanted peace, he should strategically sit down with Venâncio Mondlane for direct talks," Feijó stated in an interview.

"Venâncio Mondlane is a figure who, wherever he goes, draws tens of thousands of followers who are highly emotionally invested in him. He has the power to switch the country on and off, and ignoring him will not solve the problem," he explained.

Feijó believes that dialogue with Venâncio Mondlane is not part of Frelimo's plans. "Instead of confronting the issue head-on, they are applying cosmetic fixes and trying to create consensus with actors who do not represent the population," he criticised.

As a way out of the current political and social crisis, the researcher suggests that the government acknowledge the state's excesses, including police violence, and engage more directly with the public. (JC/ND)

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