Mozambique police opened fire on opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane’s supporters during a demonstration in Maputo, causing fatalities and numerous injuries. This violence occurred as leaders signed an agreement for inclusive national dialogue amidst ongoing political tensions following disputed election results. Mondlane’s historical role in protests highlights the potential for unrest in the current political climate.
On Wednesday, police in Mozambique opened fire on a demonstration led by opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane in the capital, Maputo. According to Mondlane’s team, shots were fired at close range, resulting in the tragic deaths of two children and injuries to 16 individuals, including opposition members. Furthermore, the use of teargas severely affected numerous civilians, though these figures remain unverified by EFE.
Prior to the violence, Mondlane had shared a live video on his Facebook account, showcasing hundreds of supporters following his caravan. This broadcast was cut short by the sounds of gunfire from security forces, which were also documented by witnesses who provided videos to EFE. Initial scenes of supporters marching and celebrating quickly turned to chaos as the situation deteriorated due to the police response.
Eyewitness reports indicated that the police were heavily armed and arrived in armored vehicles. Mondlane’s team expressed concern over his safety and status after the shooting interrupted the protest. This demonstration coincided with Daniel Chapo’s signing of an agreement aimed at fostering inclusive national dialogue between the ruling Mozambique Liberation Front (Frelimo) and various opposition parties, including the Optimist Party for the Development of Mozambique (Podemos).
Initially supportive of Mondlane’s candidacy for the upcoming October 2024 elections, Podemos later distanced itself from him and was not part of the signed agreements. Chapo emphasized that, for the first time, leaders from nine political formations had united to commit to an inclusive dialogue focused on building a more participatory and transparent governmental structure.
Albino Forquilha, the leader of Podemos, highlighted the pact’s significance, asserting it reflects a collective political will among Mozambicans to prioritize national dialogue to address issues of political stability and economic development. Historically, Mondlane has been a prominent figure in post-electoral protests, which had resulted in significant violence, with local NGOs reporting high death tolls from police actions. Following an agreement reached by the opposition to cease protests under certain conditions, the scale of demonstrations has declined.
According to Mozambique’s Constitutional Council, which the opposition has contested, Chapo secured 65.17% of the votes in the recent elections, while Mondlane claimed the title of “president elected by the Mozambican people” with 24.19%. These results reaffirmed Frelimo’s long-held leadership since Mozambique’s independence from Portugal in 1975.
In summary, the violent actions by police during a demonstration by Venâncio Mondlane’s supporters have raised serious concerns regarding the treatment of opposition activities in Mozambique. The incident underscores the ongoing political tensions in the country, particularly in light of recent elections and the aspirations for a more inclusive governance structure as outlined in the new agreements. The future of peaceful political expression in Mozambique appears contingent upon the successful enactment of the recent political dialogue commitments.
Original Source: efe.com
