MAPUTO — Mozambique’s President Daniel Chapo announced his Cabinet on Friday, appointing Maria Benvinda Levi as prime minister, making her the second woman to hold the position since the country gained independence in 1975.

Levi, 55, a former justice minister (2008–2015) and judge, brings extensive legal expertise to the role.

The announcement also highlighted the inclusion of other prominent women in key positions, with Maria dos Santos Lucas named as foreign minister and Carla Alexandra Loveira taking over the finance portfolio.

Cristóvão Chume, who served as national defense minister in the previous government under former President Filipe Nyusi, was retained in the same role.

The new ministers are set to be sworn in on Saturday during an official ceremony.

Chapo was inaugurated Wednesday after securing 65% of the vote in the Oct. 9 election. However, the results were contested by opposition candidate Venancio Mondlane, who received 20%, according to Mozambique’s Constitutional Council.

Mondlane’s call for protests over alleged election irregularities has led to violent demonstrations. Human rights groups have accused police of excessive force in quelling the unrest. According to Plataforma Decide, an election monitoring group, at least 308 people have been killed since the protests began on Oct. 21.

The composition of Chapo’s Cabinet underscores a commitment to gender representation, with women appointed to prominent roles in governance. The inclusion of experienced diplomats and financial leaders is seen as an effort to strengthen the government amidst the ongoing political tensions. — Agencies