There is a long tradition of senior Mozambicans saying things abroad that they would not say in Mozambique or in front of the Frelimo elite. These are reported in Mozambique, and perhaps it is a way of floating ideas to see if they are shot down. Challenging two shibboleths, President Daniel Chapo used his New York trip to say development is not just for a small group, and an Al Jazeera interview to say Mozambique needs to talk to terrorists.

“The Mozambique we want is a country that grows sustainably and inclusively, a country where development - especially human development - is not a privilege for some, but a right for all Mozambicans,” he declared at the at the 22nd African Conference at Columbia University, New York, on 19 September. The President emphasized that such growth must be of quality, respect the environment, and promote the participation of all communities, contributing to a more balanced and just society. (Diario Económico, Maputo, 21 Sept)

And in an interview with Al Jazeera (English 25 Sept) President Chapo said negotiations with the insurgents in Cabo Delgado is essential. "We can pursue this path of dialogue and find some solution that brings an end to the insurgency. Dialogue is the basis for resolving any conflict . Throughout the world, experience shows that any conflict ultimately ends at the negotiating table." He went on to point out that to end the independence war "we had to sit with the colonialism" and "to end the war of 16 years we had to sit down to achieve the General Peace agreement."

Keep up with the latest headlines on WhatsApp | LinkedIn

Are these suggestions of radical policy changes only "para ingles ver” - to fool the foreigners - or is the new president seriously proposing necessary policy changes that will be resisted by the some of the Frelimo elite?