Police in Mozambique opened fire on a demonstration led by opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane, resulting in two deaths and several injuries. The protest occurred alongside a commitment for national dialogue between the ruling Frelimo party and other opposition forces, raising concerns about political tensions amidst upcoming elections.
In Maputo, Mozambique, police opened fire on supporters of opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane during a demonstration. According to Mondlane’s team, the shooting resulted in the deaths of two children and injuries to sixteen individuals. Witnesses reported excessive use of teargas and shots fired at close range, causing chaos among the crowd.
Earlier in the day, Mondlane had shared a live video on Facebook, showcasing a large group following his vehicle. The video abruptly ended when gunfire erupted, leading to panic and confusion. Reports claim that police forces were heavily armed and utilized armored vehicles during the confrontation, and Mondlane’s supporters were alarmed by the shooting, leaving them uncertain of the leader’s condition.
This demonstration coincided with a significant event where Daniel Chapo signed a commitment for “inclusive national dialogue” between the ruling Mozambique Liberation Front (Frelimo) and eight opposition parties. Although initially supportive of Mondlane’s candidacy for the forthcoming elections, Podemos, the opposition party led by Albino Forquilha, distanced itself from him during the dialogue agreements. Chapo emphasized the importance of political collaboration to foster stability and economic development in Mozambique.
Mondlane previously led protests against police violence following the October 2024 elections, which claimed 353 lives due to police repression. An agreement to end protests was reached on January 17, contingent upon government compliance with demands for reduced violence and basic commodity prices. Demonstrations have since sporadically occurred but remained subdued. The Constitutional Council announced that Chapo secured 65.17% of the vote in the October elections, while Mondlane reported a contested 24.19%, asserting he is the rightful leader elected by the populace.
The recent incident in Maputo underscores the escalating tensions between police and opposition supporters in Mozambique. The violence that disrupted the demonstration points to ongoing conflict within the political landscape, particularly in light of upcoming elections. The signing of the agreement for inclusive national dialogue highlights some movement towards collaboration; however, significant issues, including violence and political repression, must be addressed to establish lasting peace and stability in Mozambique.
Original Source: efe.com
