News
Mozambique: Daniel Chapo sworn-in as president

Daniel Chapo, the President-elect of Mozambique, has been inaugurated as president today, January 15, 2025, in a ceremony held in the capital city of Maputo.
Chapo, a member of the long-ruling Frelimo party, succeeds Filipe Nyusi, who has served the maximum two terms as president.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by dignitaries and officials from various countries.
However, Chapo’s presidency is marred by controversy surrounding the October election, which opposition parties claimed was rigged.
International observers reported irregularities in the vote, including alterations to some results.
Despite this, the Constitutional Council upheld Frelimo’s victory last month.
The aftermath of the election saw violent protests erupt across the country, with international rights groups estimating that over 100 people were killed by security forces.
Local groups, however, put the death toll at more than 200.
Frelimo, the ruling party, has a long history of being accused of rigging elections since the country’s first democratic vote in 1994.
The party, which was once a guerrilla movement that liberated Mozambique from colonialism, has been in power since the country gained independence.
As president, Chapo will face the challenge of addressing the country’s economic and social issues, as well as reconciling with opposition parties and rebuilding trust with the international community.
In his inaugural address, Chapo vowed to work towards unity and reconciliation, saying, “We must work together to build a better future for Mozambique. We must put aside our differences and work towards a common goal.”
The international community has called for calm and stability in Mozambique, with many countries congratulating Chapo on his inauguration.
The United States, in a statement, said, “We congratulate Daniel Chapo on his inauguration as President of Mozambique. We look forward to working with him to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in Mozambique.”
The European Union also congratulated Chapo, saying, “We welcome the peaceful transfer of power in Mozambique and congratulate Daniel Chapo on his inauguration. We look forward to continuing our cooperation with Mozambique to promote democracy, human rights, and sustainable development.”
Background information on Chapo
Born on January 6, 1977, in Inhaminga, Sofala Province, Mozambique, Chapo’s early life was marked by a strong educational foundation.¹
He pursued his primary and secondary education in various districts, including Inhaminga and Dondo, before enrolling at Eduardo Mondlane University in Maputo to study law.
Chapo graduated in 2000 and later became a notary public in 2004.
He furthered his education by earning a master’s degree in development management from the Catholic University of Mozambique in 2014.
Chapo’s professional life began as an announcer and news presenter for Rádio Miramar and Televisão Miramar.
He later worked as a conservator of Nacala-Porto and interned for a bar association.
Chapo also taught political science and constitutional law at Maputo Pedagogical University.
His entry into politics was marked by his appointment as administrator of the Nacala-a-Velha District in 2009.
Chapo later became the administrator of the Palma District in 2015 and was appointed governor of Inhambane Province in 2016.
He was re-elected as governor in the 2019 general elections.
In May 2024, Chapo was announced as the FRELIMO candidate for the presidential election, replacing the term-limited Filipe Nyusi.
Despite being considered a relatively unknown candidate, Chapo won the election with around 71% of the vote, according to the electoral commission.
However, the opposition disputed the results, citing massive rigging and forged tabulation sheets.²
As president, Chapo faces the challenge of addressing the country’s economic and social issues, as well as reconciling with opposition parties and rebuilding trust with the international community. In his
For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook