President Cyril Ramaphosa has come under fire from the South African public for attending the inauguration of Mozambican President Daniel Chapo on 15 January 2025. The event, which took place in Maputo, has sparked outrage back home, with many accusing Ramaphosa of condoning what they view as a flawed election process and political instability in Mozambique. The criticism intensifies due to the controversial election results that have been marred by widespread protests and allegations of vote rigging.
Chapo’s inauguration follows the declaration of his party, FRELIMO, as the winner of Mozambique’s 2024 general elections. However, the election was met with fierce opposition from local groups and citizens who argued that the results were manipulated. Prominent opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, a key figure in challenging the election outcome, led his supporters in protests that escalated into violent clashes in the aftermath of the results being declared in October. The unrest resulted in numerous casualties, further heightening the political tension within the country.
Many South Africans have voiced their discontent, accusing Ramaphosa of “selling out” the Mozambican people by attending the inauguration. Critics argue that his presence at the event signals tacit approval of a government that they believe has ignored democratic processes and the rights of its citizens. The criticism was amplified by the fact that Chapo’s inauguration was held with relatively low attendance, a stark reminder of the deep division and unrest within the country. The situation has raised questions about South Africa’s diplomatic stance towards its neighboring nations, especially when it comes to supporting governments whose actions are widely seen as undermining democracy.
In his inauguration speech, President Chapo pledged to focus on national unity and human rights, promising a new chapter for Mozambique despite the violent protests and political upheaval that preceded his swearing-in. However, many remain skeptical, given the country’s history of political repression and the ongoing challenges of the current administration. For Ramaphosa, attending the event may have been an attempt to strengthen bilateral ties, but it has instead become a flashpoint for domestic criticism, with many calling for a reassessment of South Africa’s role in regional diplomacy and its stance on democratic governance across the continent.
