Riot police in Maputo, Mozambique, violently dispersed a protest against alleged electoral fraud following the recent elections, which saw the ruling Frelimo party ahead. This event follows the tragic shooting of two opposition allies, prompting international condemnation and calls for accountability. Opposition leader Venancio Mondlane reported significant resistance from law enforcement but claimed the protest was widely supported across the country.
On Monday, police in Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, utilized tear gas to disperse a protest led by opposition figures contesting the results of the recent elections, which they allege were marred by fraud. This protest followed a tragic weekend that saw the deaths of two associates of opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, who had been running for the presidency in the election held on October 9. As riot police advanced through the city, eyewitnesses reported that some officers resorted to firing handguns at the crowd, resulting in injuries to two journalists and a security guard. Shops throughout Maputo were shuttered as tensions mounted, with helicopters surveying the situation from above. Mr. Mondlane, often referred to simply as “Venancio,” documented his experience of the police action via social media, indicating he faced considerable difficulty leaving his residence due to the presence of law enforcement personnel. He stated, “This morning I couldn’t get out of my house. I had people at my doorstep, including the police. It took me an hour to get out.” The recent violence has drawn widespread condemnation from international organizations, including the European Union, the African Union, and the United Nations, all of which have urged for accountability regarding the recent killings. The two deceased were identified as lawyer Elvino Dias and Paulo Guambe, a candidate from the Podemos party aligned with Mondlane. Witnesses described a harrowing scene in which the two were ambushed in their vehicle. The police have initiated an investigation, but no identities have been confirmed. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for calm and restraint among all parties involved, urging against any form of violence following the electoral unrest. “, background”:”The political climate in Mozambique has been fraught with tension following the announcement of early electoral results favoring the ruling Frelimo party, which has maintained power since the country’s independence. The legitimacy of the electoral process has been called into question by numerous international observers who noted various irregularities, including reports of intimidation and malpractice at the polls. As President Filipe Nyusi prepares to step down, the outcome of this election is particularly critical for the future of Mozambique’s governance.
The political climate in Mozambique has been fraught with tension following the announcement of early electoral results favoring the ruling Frelimo party, which has maintained power since the country’s independence. The legitimacy of the electoral process has been called into question by numerous international observers who noted various irregularities, including reports of intimidation and malpractice at the polls. As President Filipe Nyusi prepares to step down, the outcome of this election is particularly critical for the future of Mozambique’s governance.
The protests in Mozambique highlight significant political unrest following disputed election outcomes, compounded by tragic violence that has claimed lives. The response of law enforcement and international calls for calm illustrate the critical nature of this situation as Mozambique grapples with questions of legitimacy and democracy. The events serve as a reminder of the volatile intersection between governance and civil rights in regions experiencing political transitions.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
