Tete, Mozambique, April 24, 2025 (Lusa) - The president of Mozambique, Daniel Chapo, on Thursday acknowledged the challenges the country still faces in terms of development after 50 years of independence, but criticised those who question the gains made in five decades.
"During these 50 years of our independence there have been many achievements and there are people who come along and say that during these 50 years nothing has been done. That's not true. There's still a lot to do, but a lot has also been done," said the president of Mozambique, Daniel Chapo, during a rally in the district of Mutarara, in the central province of Tete, where he is on a working visit.
In his speech, Daniel Chapo pointed to progress in the health sector, noting the number of doctors specialising in different areas and the expansion of the electricity grid, ensuring that power is supplied to all the country's districts.
He also referred to the "expansion" of the higher education network, with more than 50 universities currently in the country, and the "growth" of the road network.
"When we became independent, 97% of the population couldn't read or write from Rovuma to Maputo, today the majority of the people can read and write. And younger people need to realise that it's not true when someone comes along and says that nothing has been done in 50 years (...)," the president declared.
In the same speech, he once again called for an end to "the destruction in Mozambique", insisting that the country is "free and democratic" and that no one should be forced to be a member of any party formation.
Mozambique has experienced almost five months of social tension, with demonstrations initially against the 9 October election results called by former presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane.
Almost 400 people lost their lives in clashes with the police, according to data from civil society organisations, which also degenerated into looting and the destruction of public and private companies and infrastructure.
Mozambique's government previously confirmed at least 80 deaths, as well as the destruction of 1,677 commercial establishments, 177 schools and 23 health centres during the demonstrations.
On 23 March, Mondlane and Chapo met for the first time, and a commitment was made to put an end to the post-election violence in the country. However, today, mutual criticism and accusations continue in the public positions of the two politicians.
PME/ADB // ADB.
Lusa
