Filipe Nyusi Sworn In As Mozambique’s President, Former Colonial Master Portugal Attends Ceremony

Riyaz Patel

Mozambique’s President Filipe Nyusi was sworn in Wednesday at a ceremony attended by cheering supporters and dignitaries, including President Cyril Ramaphosa, but boycotted by opposition politicians who dispute his October election win.

The President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, Mozambique’s former colonial master, joined 7 African Presidents at the inauguration ceremony.

President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa in Maputo for President Filipe Nyusi’s inauguration

A long-running civil war that killed around 1-million people before a 1992 truce, and periodic violence since, ended when Nyusi signed a deal with rebels-turned-opposition party Renamo in August.

Mozambique Gov & Renamo Ink Peace Accord, Paves Way For Elections

The peace deal was meant to bring definitive peace to a country on the cusp of becoming a global gas exporter.

Instead, October’s election exacerbated decades-old wounds: Nyusi, of the ruling Frelimo party, won with over 70% of votes but his main rival Ossufo Momade said the