Africa-Press – Mozambique. The president of Frelimo and head of state Daniel Chapo today called for lasting peace that removes the country’s international connotation of conflict and instability, in order to attract investment and boost the national economy.
“We are forbidden from failing, we must create an environment of full and lasting peace, so that Mozambique ceases to be seen as a country of recurring conflicts and several [subsequent, peace agreements], which do not help attract investments that we so desperately need to create more jobs for our population and for the youth,” said the president of the Mozambique Liberation Front (Frelimo).
Daniel Chapo’s position was taken in the opening speech, in Maputo, of the Frelimo symposium alluding to the celebration of the 50th anniversary of national independence and the 63rd anniversary of the party, in which the Mozambican president and the party in power since 1975 once again called for collective efforts to maintain peace in the country, arguing that it is essential for development.
“National and foreign investments, in order to invest, need a country in peace and security and with political, economic and social stability,” Chapo said, indicating that it is urgent to “end the cycle of violence”, so that Mozambique can focus on development.
“The commitment to national and inclusive dialogue that we are leading needs to be fuelled by the experiences that we have accumulated as a country and as Mozambicans, crossing with experiences and success in other geographies of this planet Earth,” he added.
In his speech at the opening of the symposium, Daniel Chapo argued that independence was possible due to national unity, a value that continues to guide Mozambicans.
“The victory of our libertarian epic and the consequent proclamation of national independence on June 25, 1975, were only possible thanks to national unity […]. National unity was and continues to be Frelimo’s banner in its vision of building a more just, democratic, prosperous and supportive Mozambican society,” Chapo added, asking Mozambicans to revisit the country’s history as a way of acknowledging the path to national independence.
Mozambique experienced almost five months of social tension, with demonstrations, initially in protest against the election results of October 9, called by former presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane, resulting in the deaths of 400 people and the destruction of property.
The Mozambican government confirmed at least 80 deaths, in addition to the destruction of 1,677 commercial establishments, 177 schools and 23 health units during the demonstrations.
On March 5, Mozambican parties with seats in parliament and in municipal and provincial assemblies signed a political commitment with the President of Mozambique, aiming at state reforms, which was later transformed into law by the Mozambican parliament.
On March 23, Mondlane and Chapo met for the first time and a commitment was made to end the post-election violence in the country. They met again on May 21 with an agenda to pacify the country.
On June 25, 1975, Samora Machel, the first President of Mozambique and historic leader of Frelimo, which spearheaded the liberation struggle, proclaimed national independence, after a struggle against the Portuguese colonial regime that began on September 25, 1964.
For More News And Analysis About Mozambique Follow Africa-Press
