Mozambican police opened fire on opposition supporters led by Venancio Mondlane during a protest in Maputo. Mondlane was excluded from negotiations regarding an agreement aimed at ending protests over disputed election results. The incidents highlight the ongoing political strife in the country, with reports of multiple injuries and fatalities from similar protests since October.
On Wednesday, Mozambican police clashed with supporters of opposition leader Venancio Mondlane in Maputo during a protest march, resulting in one injury. The demonstration occurred just before President Daniel Chapo was scheduled to sign an agreement with political parties to address ongoing protests linked to Chapo’s controversial election win last year. Mondlane, who secured second place in the presidential election, has been excluded from these negotiations, which include a review of electoral laws.
Experts suggest that Mondlane’s absence from the discussions may undermine the agreement’s potential to stabilize Mozambique. A police spokesperson confirmed the dispersal of the protestors but did not provide detailed comments. Mondlane reportedly did not respond to attempts for a comment on the incident.
A live video from Mondlane’s Facebook page showed him addressing the crowd when gunshots were heard, causing chaos. Human Rights Watch’s Zenaida Machado stated that their investigations confirmed that at least 10 individuals sustained injuries due to police actions during the protests. She emphasized that firing upon peaceful gatherings threatens Mozambique’s path to stability.
Plataforma Decide, a local civil society group, reported over 350 fatalities related to post-election protests that began last October. Mondlane reiterated his commitment to continuing protests against the government, arguing that the agreement being finalized by Chapo lacked public support. He has accused Chapo’s Frelimo party of electoral malpractice, a claim Frelimo has consistently disputed, asserting that the elections were legitimate.
The report highlights ongoing tensions in Mozambique, particularly around the controversial election and its aftermath. Police violence against peaceful protests underscores the precarious situation for opponents of the current government. The exclusion of Mondlane from peace negotiations poses further concerns about the legitimacy and effectiveness of proposed agreements to stabilize the country, given the high stakes involved in governance and electoral fairness.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
