Maputo, Mozambique – Mozambican President Daniel Chapo convened with opposition leader Venancio Mondlane on Sunday evening in Maputo to address critical national issues, including political reconciliation and economic stability, according to a presidential statement. The meeting comes against a backdrop of ongoing political tensions following last year’s contested elections, where Mondlane’s supporters alleged electoral fraud by Chapo’s Frelimo party. The post-election period saw widespread protests and clashes with security forces, reportedly resulting in at least 361 fatalities, as documented by the local rights group Decide Platform. Discussions between Chapo and Mondlane centered on deepening reconciliation and establishing a stable political environment to foster socioeconomic development in Mozambique. This dialogue follows President Chapo’s recent signing of the Political Agreement for an Inclusive National Dialogue with nine political parties, aimed at promoting reconciliation and addressing key governance matters, including potential constitutional reforms. The agreement is currently awaiting approval from the National Assembly and has been welcomed by various political and civil society organizations. Adding to the nation’s challenges, Mozambique is also grappling with a worsening economic crisis. S&P Global Ratings recently downgraded the country’s local-currency debt to “selective default” following a distressed debt swap earlier in the month.