Mozambique at the crossroads between democracy and autocracy

In the wake of widespread allegations of electoral manipulation during the recent general elections in Mozambique, the country has experienced significant and sustained popular protests. These protests are driven by demands for electoral transparency and justice, as well as calls for regime change.

While autocratic regimes such as China, Cuba, and Venezuela have expressed support for Frelimo, Mozambique’s ruling party for the past 49 years, key international organizations like SADC and CPLP have voiced criticism.

This situation presents a complex challenge for democratic development partners and investor countries. Why have the responses from the EU and Norway been so muted? What are the implications of Mozambique’s post-electoral struggle in both regional and global contexts?

Luisa Nhantumbo
Journalist, Lusa - Portugal News Agency
Luisa Nhantumbo is a multimedia journalist with experience in news production, photojournalism, and video creation.

Carmeliza Rosario
Post-doctoral Researcher, CMI
Social Anthropologist with over 20 years of experience conducting multifaceted social research, including poverty, inequality and the gendered effects of development programs.

Edson Cortez
Director, Centre for Public Integrity, Mozambique
Edson Cortez is a founding member of the Centre for Public Integrity, where he also serves as a researcher in investigative journalism, with a particular interest in issues related to public procurement, conflicts of interest, and influence peddling.

Helge Rønning
Professor emeritus, UiO
Helge Rønning is a Professor Emeritus at the Department of Media and Communication, University of Oslo. He has held numerous private and public positions of trust, including serving on the Government’s Freedom of Expression Commission (1996-1999).

Aslak Orre
Senior Researcher, CMI
Political scientist whose competence areas include local government reform, corruption and anti-corruption as well as parties and opposition in Africa.