Online Reporter
Joseph Madzimure
Senior Reporter
ZIMBABWE is optimistic that newly elected Mozambican President Daniel Chapo will focus on fostering unity and rebuilding the nation, Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri has said.
Addressing a Press Conference in Harare yesterday, Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri, who attended President Chapo’s inauguration ceremony in Maputo on Wednesday, said the proceedings were peaceful and Mozambicans had confidence in their leader.
She said the new Government would need all the support it can get from the Sadc region and the wider African continent to steer the country forward.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri was representing President Mnangagwa who is also the chairperson of Sadc.
In his address, President Chapo, who was the Frelimo candidate in the October 9 elections, committed to devoting himself fully to promoting unity and reconstruction.
He emphasised the importance of collaboration, saying “in politics, there are no enemies, only adversaries”.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri hoped for a united and peaceful political landscape in Mozambique.
“We are very happy that as SADC, all the countries had representatives and this was to render our full support,” she said.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri stressed the importance of strengthening bilateral relations among SADC countries, noting that President Chapo aimed to renegotiate partnerships with developing nations and financial institutions to ensure continued assistance, acknowledging that “Mozambique cannot succeed alone”.
She congratulated Mozambique’s opposition parties that attended the inauguration, viewing their presence as a positive sign for a new era in their country.
Mozambique has a history of resolving its own conflicts, particularly between Frelimo and Renamo.
The Minister conveyed a message from President Mnangagwa, appreciating the peaceful conditions during the elections and the timely constitutional process leading to the election results that were confirmed by the Mozambican constitutional council after all electoral petitions were dealt with.
The inauguration ceremony also included the swearing-in of new parliamentary members. Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri noted the excitement and optimism among the Mozambican populace, who have endured significant violence in recent months.
High-profile attendees included South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Equatorial Guinea President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, and several African vice presidents and prime ministers, demonstrating broad support for the new government.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri highlighted President Chapo’s inaugural speech, which addressed the need for unity and dialogue among political players, and acknowledged the economic, political, and social challenges facing Mozambique.
On the economic front, President Chapo identified governance structures as a significant barrier to development, announcing plans to streamline government operations by abolishing several ministries to create a more efficient administration.
