On January 14, 2025, civil society organizations in Mozambique, represented by the Pan-African Lawyers Union, submitted a petition to the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights in Banjul, Gambia. The petition calls for the African Union (AU) not to recognize Daniel Chapo as President following alleged irregularities in the general elections held on October 9, 2024.
Donald Deya, Executive Director of the Pan-African Lawyers Union, stated that the petition outlines various elements of legal violations and human rights abuses observed during the electoral process. The organizations involved have collected evidence from voter registration through to the voting process.
The petitioners have also requested that the case be referred to the African Court and that the AU inform African governments and relevant bodies about the situation. Deya emphasized the need for urgent action from the Commission, expressing concerns about the upcoming inauguration of Chapo, which is scheduled for January 15, 2025.
Only two heads of state have confirmed their attendance at Chapo's inauguration: Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa and Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau. Additionally, three vice-presidents and prime ministers from various countries are expected to be present. The event is anticipated to attract around 2,500 attendees at the Independence Square in Maputo.