Mozambique’s President Daniel Chapo met with opposition leader Venancio Mondlane in an attempt to ease tensions following months of violent clashes between protesters and security forces, the presidency announced late Sunday.
The gas-rich southern African nation has been in turmoil since the contested October elections, which international observers described as marred by irregularities. The disputed vote triggered more than two months of protests and road blockades, resulting in over 360 deaths, according to a local civil society group.
Chapo and Mondlane met in Maputo to “discuss solutions to the challenges facing the country,” the presidency said in a statement, adding that the talks were part of efforts “to promote national stability and reinforce the commitment to reconciliation.”
It remains unclear whether a political agreement is on the horizon for Mondlane, who recently severed ties with the opposition Podemos party that had backed his presidential bid.
Chapo, who took office in January, signed a post-election deal earlier this month with nine political parties, including Mondlane’s former Podemos party. The agreement, still awaiting parliamentary approval, seeks to initiate a constitutional review.
Mondlane, widely supported by young voters, did not participate in those discussions. Instead, he led hundreds of supporters in a march through Maputo, which ended in violent clashes with police, leaving 14 people injured.
At least two people were killed last week when police opened fire on demonstrators during another protest called by Mondlane.
Sunday’s meeting “symbolises the desire to build bridges and promote an open and constructive dialogue,” the presidency said, sharing an image of Chapo and Mondlane shaking hands.
The president’s outreach follows a recent legal challenge for Mondlane, who revealed he had been interrogated for 10 hours by prosecutors and placed under judicial supervision nearly two weeks ago.
Official election results gave Chapo, of the long-ruling Frelimo party, 65% of the vote, with Mondlane finishing second at 24%. However, Mondlane has rejected the results, claiming he actually secured 53% of the vote and has since built a movement that poses Frelimo’s most serious political challenge in nearly 50 years.
