Venâncio Mondlane criticized a political agreement in Mozambique, calling it an agreement without public representation. He announced a pledge for daily protests over five years to ensure the government meets the people’s demands. The protests stem from discontent with the recent electoral results and rising living costs, resulting in significant casualties and property damage.
Venâncio Mondlane, a former presidential candidate in Mozambique, criticized a forthcoming political agreement between the president and various political parties, labeling it as an “agreement without the people.” He promised to lead daily protests over the next five years to advocate for public needs, emphasizing that the agreement lacks genuine representation. Mondlane stated, “It’s an agreement of people without people, an agreement in the name of the people, but the people won’t be there.” This statement was made during a march in the Magoanine neighborhood of Maputo.
The political agreement, which will be signed today at the Joaquim Chissano Conference Centre, aims to address ongoing state reforms amidst a post-election crisis. Notable parties included in the agreement are the Optimistic People for the Development of Mozambique (Podemos), the Mozambican National Resistance (Renamo), and the Democratic Movement of Mozambique (MDM), in addition to the extra-parliamentary Nova Democracia. Recent dialogue included party formations with representation in provincial and municipal assemblies.
Despite the president’s commitment to broaden participation in political discussions, many critics believe the dialogue has excluded Mondlane, the second highest vote-getter in the recent elections, who is disputing the results. Mondlane has vowed for five years of protests, declaring that there will be 1,825 days of demonstrations if the government fails to meet the people’s needs. He stated, “If you don’t do what the people want, you won’t govern in Mozambique.”
Since October, Mozambique has faced significant social unrest following contested election results that favored Daniel Chapo. Although protests have reduced in intensity, they have highlighted public discontent over issues such as the rising cost of living. The electoral platform Decide reports that at least 353 people have died, including minors, and approximately 3,500 have been injured in protests, while the government has confirmed a minimum of 80 fatalities from the unrest and extensive damage to properties, including commercial establishments, schools, and health centers.
Venâncio Mondlane’s critique of the political agreement underscores a growing discontent among the Mozambican populace regarding representation in governance. His promise of sustained protests aims to hold the government accountable during a critical period of social unrest, as many citizens continue to challenge the recent electoral results and demand action on pressing social issues. As Mozambique navigates this turbulent political landscape, the outcomes of Mondlane’s commitment to daily demonstrations may significantly impact the government’s responsiveness to public needs.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
