Mozambique Opposition Leader Declares Presidency

Mozambique's opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane has declared he will assume the presidency on January 15, rejecting the results of the recent elections that favored Frelimo's candidate, Daniel Chapo. Following the Constitutional Court's validation of Chapo's victory, Mondlane's supporters have taken to the streets, leading to violent protests and significant unrest across the country, marking some of the worst violence since Frelimo's rise to power. The capital, Maputo, was largely deserted on Christmas Eve as residents sought safety amid the chaos. Mondlane, currently in self-imposed exile, has called for peaceful demonstrations while maintaining that the election was rigged, despite the electoral commission initially declaring Chapo the winner with 71% of the vote, later adjusted to 65%. Human rights groups report over 100 deaths linked to the unrest, with accusations of excessive force by security forces. Mondlane's movement appears to resonate particularly with unemployed youth frustrated with Frelimo's longstanding governance.