I QUESTION; ARE CHAPO AND MONDLANE THE RIGHT LEADERS FOR MOZAMBIQUE’S FUTURE?
About the Author: Iroegbu Chibuike Irodili hails from, he is a Journalist and a Poet who stands …firmly for the progress of Africa, using his pen to amplify the voices of the marginalized and challenge the status quo.
POEM
Oh Mozambique! Where’s thy sting?
What courage and strength dost thou bring?
What human heart rejoices in dispute?
Your history, once bereft of violence and chaos.
The pride is lost, the ancestors are gone
Who killed the motherland?
Alas! They say it’s the government.
If diamonds are to be cracked, call for justice
Mama is not proud, the children are crying
Who knows if the gods are watching?
Even if thunder’s sound is a voice, are they deaf to hear?
If Mozambique’s leaders are hungry for power,
Where do the people stand?
As I watch the unfolding crisis in Mozambique, I am reminded of the fragility of democracy and the importance of protecting it. The recent presidential elections, held in October 2024, were meant to be a milestone in the country’s democratic journey. However, the outcome has been marred by controversy, with opposition leader Venancio Mondlane rejecting the results and declaring himself president. This shocking turn of events has left the country teetering on the brink of chaos, with widespread protests and violence erupting across the nation.
I am deeply troubled by the implications of Mondlane’s actions, which not only undermine the democratic process but also threaten to destabilize the entire region. As someone who believes in the power of democracy to transform lives and societies,
The situation in Mozambique is indeed complex, Mondlane’s action, including declaring president and calling for protests, have been met with violence from state security forces, resulting in deaths, injuries and arrests. While his intentions may be to challenge the status quo and advocate for change, his methods have raised concerns about the potential for further instability and chaos
Although the election was not free and fair, and was disputed by the high court, it is essential to uphold the rule of law and the constitution, which was established in 2005. I firmly believe that the constitutional process must be respected and followed.
Venâncio Mondlane’s actions, however, are causing negative occurrences and undermining the democratic process in Mozambique. By installing himself as president, which he pledged to do in 2025, he is disregarding the constitutional order and creating a power vacuum.
This is a call to all government officials to refute, forbid, and stop Mondlane’s consistent attempts to cause chaos in Mozambique. Instead, they should focus on building collective goals and working towards a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
When someone attempts to seize power without following the constitutional process, it’s commonly referred to as a power grab or constitutional coup. This can have severe consequences, including widespread protests, violence, and instability. In Mozambique’s case, such actions could lead to a crisis of confidence in the government and the rule of law, undermining the country’s democratic foundations. It can also lead to international condemnation, economic sanctions, and isolation. In Mozambique’s history, the country has faced similar challenges, for instance, the civil war from 1977 to 1992, which was fueled by external factors, including the Cold War politics.
During the Pre-Independence Era
Mozambique was a Portuguese colony from 1505 to 1975, which led to exploitation, oppression, and cultural suppression, Mozambique was a major hub for the slave trade, with millions of people forcibly taken from their homes and sold into slavery. In Post-Independence Era, a devastating civil war between the government (FRELIMO) and the rebel group (RENAMO) resulted in over 1 million deaths, displacement, and economic destruction, After independence, Mozambique faced significant economic challenges, including poverty, inequality, and dependence on foreign aid, severe flooding in Mozambique has resulted in loss of life, displacement, and damage to infrastructure and agriculture.
What of the Cyclone Idai and Cyclone Kenneth which caused widespread destruction, killing over 1,000 people and affecting millions more.
Mozambique has struggled with corruption, including a major scandal involving a $2 billion loan that led to a debt crisis.The government has been criticized for its authoritarian tendencies, including restrictions on freedom of speech and assembly. It has one of the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rates in the world and malaria which is a public health concern in Mozambique, particularly in rural areas.
Mozambique is currently facing an insurgency in the northern region of Cabo Delgado, not to mention of Mozambique’s economy, which is still recovering from the debt crisis and the impact of COVID-19.
If Venancio Mondlane attempts to install himself as president without following the constitutional process, the international community may condemn his actions, leading to diplomatic isolation and potential economic sanctions, he may face impeachment proceedings for violating the constitution, he may face criminal charges for treason, sedition, his claim to the presidency may be deemed illegitimate, leading to a loss of authority and credibility, his attempt to seize power can exacerbate existing social and political divisions.
I ask you, Venâncio Mondlane, are you seeking to become the President of Mozambique by any means necessary, disregarding the nation’s constitution? Or are you rallying supporters who share your views, despite lacking conclusive evidence about the fairness of the October 2024 election? These actions worry Mozambican citizens.
Like I said earlier, Venâncio Mondlane’s attempt to seize power unconstitutionally poses a significant threat to Mozambique’s democratic foundations. If left unchecked, his actions could lead to a complete disregard for the constitution, resulting in widespread violence, human rights abuses, and chaos.
For example, in recent occurrences, at least 67 protesters have been killed by police and army forces, with many more injured. The protests have been met with force, including the use of live ammunition and tear gas. According to Human Rights Watch, 10 children are among the dead, and thousands of students are unable to attend school due to the deteriorating security situation. Is this not a tragic dispute that warrants attention and action?
All these are a pathetic pathway to convene and rally continuous supporters to intervene in his situation. Perhaps, the unrest has also had severe economic consequences, with Mozambique’s US dollar bonds plummeting due to a massive selloff. Some Mozambicans have fled to neighboring countries, such as South Africa, seeking refuge from the violence, which has resulted in a significant humanitarian crisis.
I’m deeply concerned about the escalating violence in Mozambique, despite the international community’s calls for calm and restraint. The situation remains volatile, with ongoing protests and uncertainty about the country’s future. It’s alarming to see the situation spiraling out of control, with reports of savage attacks and violence
The international community, including the European Union, the United States, and the African Union, has expressed concern over the situation, but their calls for peace have fallen on deaf ears. The ongoing violence is not only posing a threat to the country’s stability but also undermining its democratic institutions.
I fear that if the situation continues to deteriorate, it could lead to a coup d’etat, which would have far-reaching consequences for the country and its people. The international community must continue to pressure the parties involved to seek a peaceful resolution to the crisis
Daniel Chapo’s party, FRELIMO, has been implicated in allegations of electoral fraud and irregularities, human rights abuses, and suppression of dissent, which raises concerns about the potential for authoritarianism and the undermining of democratic institutions.
However, it’s essential to note that Chapo has not been convicted of any crimes. Different people may have varying opinions about his character and leadership. The situation in Mozambique is complex, with multiple factors contributing to the ongoing tensions.
Evaluating someone’s character is subjective and depends on individual perspectives and values. As much as I believe in the power of democracy and justice, I think it’s imperative to foster peace and unity in Mozambique.
The ongoing battle between FRELIMO, PODEMOS, and MDM must come to an end. I urge the Electoral Commission, International Community, and Civil Society Organizations to take bold action and resolve this pressing issue. The people of Mozambique are in dire need of comprehensive reforms – political, social, legal, and economic.
I call on the leaders of FRELIMO, PODEMOS, and MDM to put aside their differences and engage in constructive dialogue. The international community, including organizations like the European Union, the United States, and the African Union, you must play a more active role in promoting peace and stability in Mozambique.The people of Mozambique deserve a government that truly represents their interests and works towards their benefit.
As Nelson Mandela so eloquently put it, “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” I believe that the people of Mozambique deserve a chance to rise above their current challenges.
As Martin Luther King Jr. wisely said, “Peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but a means by which we arrive at that goal.” It’s time for all stakeholders to come together and work towards a peaceful and democratic future for Mozambique. Achieve this through constructive dialogue, mutual understanding, and a commitment to upholding democratic principles and the rule of law.
By working together, Let’s create a brighter future for the people of Mozambique, one that is built on the principles of democracy, justice, and peace.
Iroegbu Chibuike Irodili is a Journalist and a Poet who stands …firmly for the progress of Africa, using his pen to amplify the voices of the marginalized and challenge the status quo.
