Mondlane of the Podemos party made the comments during an interview with the BBC, signalling a potential thaw in the icy relationship between the two political rivals.
The overture comes after months of unrest following Mozambique's contested October 2024 election, which Chapo won with 65% of the vote. Mondlane, who secured 24%, has consistently denounced the results as fraudulent.
In the interview with the BBC, Mondlane stated that he had decided to temporarily halt protests. However, he outlined three demands as conditions for resolving the ongoing political crisis.
These include the unconditional release of 5,000 individuals detained during the demonstrations, financial compensation for the families of those killed by security forces, and the provision of free medical treatment for those injured in the post-election unrest.
'If [President Chapo] meets these conditions, I will open a window for negotiations,' Mondlane told the BBC. He added that he would be willing to serve in Chapo's government if the president genuinely sought dialogue.
President Chapo of the Frelimo party was inaugurated on January 15, 2025, in Maputo in a ceremony conducted under heavy security.
Addressing around 2,500 attendees, Chapo vowed to unify the nation, stating, 'Together, we will restore patriotism and pride in being Mozambican.'
He also pledged to combat corruption and deliver reforms aimed at decentralizing power, promoting human rights, and improving the economy.
'Mozambique cannot remain a hostage to corruption, nepotism, and incompetence,' Chapo declared.
Chapo affirmed his pledge to create job opportunities for the nation's youth, adding that economic revitalization was key to stability.
'We must recover our country economically... it's easy to destroy, but building is not an easy task,' he said.
President Chapo has also indicated openness to forming an inclusive government.
'We are considering profiles of individuals who demonstrate competence, patriotism, and meritocracy,' Chapo said, referring to ongoing discussions about involving opposition members in governance.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
