Margarida Mapandzene Chongo resigns as Gaza Province governor in Mozambique

Margarida Mapandzene Chongo submitted her resignation letter, ending seven years as governor of Gaza Province in southern Mozambique. The ruling FRELIMO party confirmed the resignation, framing it as part of a strategy to strengthen provincial governance and deliver on its election manifesto.

The departure follows intense scrutiny over alleged misappropriation of flood‑relief donations provided after the severe floods earlier in the year. Several provincial officials, including the former administrator of Xai‑Xai and the governor’s chief of staff, have been detained in connection with the case. Civil‑society voices criticized Chongo for breaching the social contract, while party leaders cited internal pressure and recent changes in provincial party leadership as context. Pedro Guilichena has been named to assume the governorship pending further clarification.