Jamal Jamal
02 April 2025•Update: 02 April 2025
LILONGWE, Malawi
The Mozambican parliament unanimously passed a law on Wednesday to restore peace in the southern African country following months of deadly protests over the contentious presidential election on Oct. 9, which killed at least 360 people.
The 250-seat parliament passed the Political Commitment for an Inclusive National Dialogue law, which aims to revise the country's constitution and presidential powers, as well as grant pardons to those convicted of unrest following the election.
The law, described as a "landmark" by both sides of the political divide in the House, is based on a March 5 agreement signed by President Daniel Chapo and all political parties and submitted to parliament by the head of state for consideration.
Eduardo Mulembwe, minister in the presidency for parliamentary, local, and provincial affairs, said shortly after the law's passage that it would allow citizens to "travel, in peace and safety, on all roads, paths, trails, and shortcuts."
"This law opens a new era of peace, and it would allow citizens to work hard and transport their assets to all corners of the country, whether for business purposes or to meet the needs of family members, without fear of anything," Mulembwe told the media.
Felix Silvia, leader of the ruling Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO), told parliament that the law provides an opportunity to contribute to the "mission of renewing and re-establishing Mozambique on its foundations, putting our country and the interests of Mozambicans first."
According to the parliamentary group of the opposition Democratic Movement of Mozambique (MDM), the proposed law provides "new perspectives for a future of hope."
On March 23, Chapo met for the first time with his main rival and former presidential candidate Venancio Mondlane since the presidential election.
Earlier, Mondlane refused to accept the results of the presidential election, calling it "fraudulent" despite being approved by the country's Constitutional Council, triggering deadly protests.
The two rivals made a commitment to work together to stop the violence in the country, a development political analysts said aimed at boosting the need to deepen reconciliation and consolidate a stable political environment.
