Mozambican police reported shots fired near Venâncio Mondlane’s convoy aimed to disperse crowds, not to attack. The incident resulted in some injuries, attributed to panic rather than gunfire. Protests persist regarding post-election grievances and rising living costs, leading to significant unrest since October, with substantial casualties.
On Thursday, Mozambican police clarified that the shots fired near Venâncio Mondlane’s motorcade were aimed at dispersing a crowd and preventing them from reaching a political event in Maputo. Police spokesperson Leonel Muchina emphasized, “There was no attack against Venâncio Mondlane” and reiterated that the crowd’s movement towards the Joaquim Chissano Conference Centre posed a concern. To manage the situation, conventional methods such as tear gas were employed.
The incident occurred around 1:00 p.m. in the Hulene neighborhood while Mondlane’s motorcade was en route to Praça dos Combatentes from Praça da Juventude. Abdul Nariz, a member of Mondlane’s communications team, expressed surprise at the aggressive response, stating, “We were surprised when a heavily armed police group started shooting directly at the vehicle carrying Venâncio Mondlane.” Nariz described a chaotic scene involving tear gas, explosives, and live ammunition, prompting his team to flee for safety.
In the aftermath of the incident, at least one individual from Mondlane’s entourage was injured, with reports indicating eight others were hurt as well. Muchina clarified that injuries were primarily due to “panic and the location,” stating, “Many people tripped and injured themselves on obstacles.” A comprehensive investigation into potential bullet injuries was suggested but no data was provided.
According to Muchina, Mondlane’s supporters were obstructing traffic along a crucial route in Maputo. The non-governmental organization piattaforma Decide recorded at least 16 injuries among the supporters, including two children sustained during the march.
In response to the shooting, demonstrators blocked Julius Nyerere Avenue, an essential thoroughfare to surrounding suburbs, coinciding with a day designated for signing a political agreement to address the post-election crisis. Mozambican police were strategically placed to monitor all access points to the conference center, where the agreement between the President and opposition parties was to be formalized.
Mozambique has witnessed escalated social unrest since October, driven by Mondlane’s accusations regarding the flawed election results and President Daniel Chapo’s victory. Though protests have diminished, they continue in various regions, focusing on both election grievances and the rising cost of living. According to the Decide platform, over 353 fatalities have occurred since October, with the government confirming 80 deaths and substantial property damage during civil unrest.
In conclusion, the Mozambican police maintained that shots fired during a recent incident involving Venâncio Mondlane were primarily to disperse a crowd rather than an attack. The wider context reveals ongoing social unrest, dissatisfaction with the government, and significant casualties amid protests following the controversial election results. These events illustrate the fragile political climate in Mozambique, demanding urgent attention and resolution.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
