Muchanga offers to be the voice for silent Momade
António Muchanga, a prominent RENAMO deputy and key figure in Mozambique's main opposition party, has stirred controversy by publicly offering to stand in for his leader, Ossufo Momade, in televised debates on governance plans during the pre-election campaign.
The proposal, made recently during an interview with TV Sucesso in Maputo, has been interpreted by many as a sign of fragility in Momade's leadership.
During his appearance, Muchanga expressed his willingness to debate on behalf of Ossufo Momade, directly addressing critics who have been challenging the RENAMO leader to participate in major public debates. "Those who are challenging President Ossufo, I am ready to come here in his place and debate with those who are speaking out there. If you are prepared, come and debate with me," he declared.
Muchanga's readiness to represent his leader in matters that are traditionally not delegated, such as presenting governance ideas, has brought to the forefront the narrative that Ossufo Momade is avoiding public debates. This situation has raised doubts and concerns among the public, as there has yet to be a clear presentation of his ideas for the country's future.
While other presidential candidates—Daniel Chapo of FRELIMO, Lutero Simango of the Mozambique Democratic Movement, and Venâncio Mondlane, an independent candidate—have already made public appearances to outline their governance visions, Ossufo Momade has remained conspicuously absent from these discussions.
On social media, Muchanga's proposal was widely criticized, with many users insisting that it should be Ossufo Momade himself participating in the public debates. Comments on digital platforms ranged from criticism of Momade's leadership to disapproval of the idea of delegating the role of debater to someone else. "Does he not know how to speak?" questioned one Facebook user. Another commented, "We don't want the dog; we want the dog's owner."
The intense reactions on social media reveal a widespread sense of dissatisfaction with Momade's absence from the debates and raise serious questions about the RENAMO leader's ability to add value to the country if elected President. Muchanga's remarks, while possibly intended to protect his leader, have inadvertently reinforced public perceptions of incompetence in Ossufo Momade's leadership.
