Chapo brings message of peace and development to Gorongosa

Chapo's words of hope were delivered on the third day of his electoral campaign in Sofala province, where he visited the district of Gorongosa, a place long associated with conflict.

Addressing a large crowd gathered at the local municipal field, Chapo reflected on his own experience with war, recounting how he was captured at the age of five in Inhaminga and lived in captivity for two years before walking to Dondo.

"I know what war is, and I do not want the people to suffer from it again. We will continue the ongoing efforts to maintain peace," declared the candidate, who views peace and security as the top priorities of his electoral manifesto.

Chapo stressed the importance of consolidating peace and reconciliation as essential factors for promoting national unity and defending Mozambique's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He committed to closely overseeing the Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) process of Renamo's residual forces, ensuring that this process is fully completed and that the hard-won peace is not jeopardized.

During the 16-year civil war, which ended with the signing of the General Peace Agreement (AGP) in 1992, the Gorongosa mountain range served as Renamo’s largest military base, Mozambique's main opposition party.

Chapo expressed his intention to transform Gorongosa from a symbol of war into a source of inspiration for current and future generations, promoting peaceful coexistence among Mozambicans.

The government has already promised to build a Peace Memorial in the Gorongosa Mountains to immortalize the key figures in the country’s peace processes, a commitment that Chapo reiterated during his visit.

He emphasized the importance of permanently disassociating the district of Gorongosa from conflict, seeing it instead as a symbol of peace and reconciliation.