Mozambique: Presidential inauguration in Maputo January 15 /update 5

Event

The inauguration ceremony for President Filipe Nyusi is set to take place in Maputo at approximately 10:00 (local time) on Wednesday, January 15. At least 12 heads of state will attend the ceremony, which will be held at Praca Independence.

A heightened security presence and transportation disruptions, including road closures, are expected in Maputo on Wednesday. Demonstrations and rallies by opposition supporters are possible over the near term. 

Context

Incumbent President Filipe Nyusi won the October 15 presidential election with 73 percent of the vote. The October 15 general elections allowed citizen to vote for provincial governors for the first time, as set in the Maputo Peace and National Reconciliation Agreement signed between Renamo and Frelimo leaders on August 6. The agreement formally ended months of fighting between Renamo rebels and the Defense and Security Forces. Despite this peace agreement, the electoral campaign was one of the most violent in Mozambique's history, killing at least 10 people and triggering a recrudescence of tensions between the two frontrunners.

Advice

Individuals in Maputo are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all political events as a precaution, budget additional time for travel, anticipate a heightened security presence and transportation disruptions, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments.