Mozambique: Frelimo’s OMM elects new General Secretary

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Mozambique: Frelimo’s OMM elects new General Secretary

12:46 CAT | 14 Apr 2025

The OMM's National Committee also proclaimed the first lady, Gueta Chapo (left), as the new president of the OMM, taking over from the previous first lady, Isaura Nyusi, who held the position for the previous ten years. [Photo: AIM]

The National Committee of the Mozambican Women’s Organisation (OMM), the women’s affiliate of the ruling Frelimo Party, on Sunday elected Cidalia Chauque, the former Minister for Gender, Women’s Affairs and Social Welfare, as its new General Secretary, replacing Mariazinha Niquice.

Chauque has held a variety of senior positions, including governor of the northern province of Nampula, and most recently administrator of the National Social Security Institute (INSS).

She was a Frelimo member of the country’s parliament, the Assembly of the Republic, between 1999 and 2012. She was a member of the Frelimo Central Committee from 2003 to 2008.

In the election, Chauque won 99 of the 193 valid votes cast by delegates. There was only one other candidate, Pascoa Buque, who won 94 votes.

The National Committee also proclaimed the first lady, Gueta Chapo, as the new president of the OMM, taking over from the previous first lady, Isaura Nyusi, who held the position for the previous ten years. It has become a tradition that the First Lady will also be the nominal head of the OMM.

In his speech opening the meeting, President Daniel Chapo praised the contribution made by Isaura Nyusi in promoting cohesion and unity among Mozambican women. “We are sure that her teachings will remain a reference point in protecting the goals of the organisation, particularly in organising Mozambican women in the tasks of the economic, social, political and cultural development of our country”, he said.

Chapo praised Mozambican women, and the OMM in particular, for their contributions in winning the country’s independence, and in building a free and sovereign Mozambique.

The Frelimo General Secretary, Chakil Aboobacar, recalled the role played by the OMM in last year’s general election campaign, which culminated in the victory of Frelimo and of Daniel Chapo.

Source: AIM