Hertta-Maria Amutenja
No decision has been made yet on whether President Nangolo Mbumba will attend the inauguration of Mozambique’s president-elect, Daniel Chapo of the ruling Frelimo party, on 15 January.
Presidential spokesperson Alfredo Hengari informed the Windhoek Observer that once a decision is made, it will be made public.
“The decision regarding President Mbumba’s attendance at the inauguration has not yet been made. Once a decision is reached, it will be communicated,” Hengari said.
Chapo will be sworn in even though there are still opposition protests going on in the country.
Dozens of people have died in these protests since the October elections.
Mozambique’s Constitutional Council confirmed Chapo’s election victory last month, preparing him to be sworn into office as the successor to outgoing President Filipe Nyusi.
The council declared that Chapo won with 65.17% of the vote, revising the initial figure of 70%.
Opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, in particular, has contested the result, claiming victory despite officially receiving only 24% of the vote.
On 24 December, President Mbumba extended his congratulations to Chapo.
“As my dear brother, H.E. Daniel Chapo, and Frelimo undertake this important mandate of service to the Mozambican nation. I am confident that president-elect Chapo will lead the people of Mozambique towards prosperity, unity and greater heights of development,” said Mbuma.
The inauguration ceremony is scheduled to take place at Maputo’s Independence Square and is expected to draw at least 2,500 attendees.
Mozambique’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, Eldevina Materula, who also serves as vice president of the interministerial commission for major events, revealed that invitations have been sent to several international organisations, including the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union, and certain European heads of state, such as Portugal.
Materula added that confirmation of attendance from these leaders is expected by Monday.
