Mozambique’s President Announces March 5 for State Reform Agreement Signing

President Daniel Chapo of Mozambique has scheduled the signing of an agreement on state reforms for March 5, following comprehensive dialogue with several political parties. The discussions aim to resolve the crisis stemming from October’s disputed elections. Widespread protests have occurred since these elections, raising concerns about the rising cost of living and resulting in significant casualties.

Mozambique’s President Daniel Chapo has announced that the signing of an agreement regarding state reforms will occur on March 5. This agreement stems from ongoing political dialogue with parties in response to the turmoil following October’s contested elections. President Chapo confirmed, “Today we reached one hundred percent consensus on the content of the document,” following a productive session with various political parties

This dialogue involves not only the parties currently represented in parliament—Podemos, Renamo, and the MDM—but also extra-parliamentary parties like New Democracy and other regional assemblies. Chapo emphasized that these gatherings allow diverse political entities to “familiarise themselves with the document.”

The signing ceremony will take place at the Joaquim Chissano International Conference Centre in Maputo at 3 p.m. local time on March 5. On February 19, Chapo highlighted potential constitutional revisions as part of ongoing discussions with additional parties to resolve the electoral crisis.

Since October elections, Mozambique has experienced significant social unrest, spearheaded by former presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane, who has been vocal in rejecting the election results that favored President Chapo and the ruling Frelimo party. The protests have now diminished in scale, focusing largely on escalating living costs and other pressing social issues.

Tragically, the protests have resulted in at least 353 fatalities, including approximately two dozen minors, and about 3,500 injuries, as reported by the non-governmental organization Plataforma Eleitoral Decide, which monitors electoral affairs. The government confirmed at least 80 casualties and extensive damage, including the destruction of 1,677 businesses, 177 schools, and 23 health facilities during the unrest.

The announcement by President Chapo regarding the March 5 signing of the state reform agreement marks a significant step in addressing the ongoing political crisis in Mozambique. Despite social unrest and widespread protests that have claimed many lives, the dialogue offers a hopeful pathway toward reconciliation and reform as various political parties engage in constructive discussions to stabilize the nation.

Original Source: clubofmozambique.com