Daniel Chapo launches campaign in Sofala with a message of resilience and empathy

The event, held at Ferroviário da Beira’s field in Manga, one of the city’s most populous neighborhoods, drew a significant crowd, comprising party members, supporters, and local community members.

Daniel Chapo, backed by FRELIMO, the ruling party in Mozambique, moved the audience with his story of resilience—a narrative that deeply resonates with the experiences of many residents of Beira and the country’s most disadvantaged populations.

With senior FRELIMO figures in attendance, including the party president and head of state, Filipe Nyusi, Chapo presented himself as a candidate who profoundly understands the challenges faced by the nation, basing his campaign on his personal experiences of overcoming adversity.

In a speech that touched the hearts of the electorate, Chapo highlighted his practical understanding of the difficulties faced by Mozambican citizens, asserting that his upbringing in Inhaminga, Sofala, shaped his understanding of the suffering endured by many.

Born into a poor family, Chapo recounted how he lived in captivity for two years during the civil war and how he fought against all odds to become a renowned public servant in various sectors.

"I am Mozambican. I was born here in Sofala, grew up, worked, and continue to work for the people, and I am of the people," Chapo declared, drawing applause from the crowd.

He emphasized that his life journey, marked by hardships and challenges, fuels his determination to work for the development of Mozambique and improve the lives of its citizens.

Chapo stressed that during his childhood and youth, he faced hunger and walked long distances, often under harsh conditions, to achieve his dreams.

"I know what suffering is; I have suffered and endured what the population goes through," he reiterated, recalling the time he fled on foot from captivity, trekking from Inhaminga to Dondo, sleeping in the forest under rain and cold.

According to Chapo, his life story is the driving force that guides him and shapes his vision for Mozambique, based on a deep empathy for the problems of others.

He stated that his candidacy is a commitment to serve the people, promising the residents of Beira that, if elected, he will be a dedicated servant focused on solving the country’s major issues, with a deep understanding gained through the various roles he has played throughout his career.

Speaking to an audience composed mostly of young people, Chapo acknowledged the challenges faced by Mozambican youth, including unemployment, housing, and education.

He asserted that the agricultural sector is one of the concrete solutions he has to address unemployment in Sofala, promising to mechanize agricultural production and attract investments to develop the agro-processing industry, thereby creating new jobs.

Beira city and Sofala province, in general, are highly contested territories by Mozambique’s main political forces, namely FRELIMO, RENAMO, and the Mozambique Democratic Movement (MDM).

In this vein, MDM also chose Sofala to launch its electoral campaign, with a ceremony led by Lutero Simango, the party’s president, which also saw a significant turnout of supporters.