On March 5, 2025, police in Mozambique shot at protesters supporting opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, resulting in 16 injuries. The unrest follows allegations of election rigging from last October, with Mondlane excluded from peace talks. Reports indicate over 100 deaths linked to security forces since the protests began, raising concerns over transparency and political rights in the country.
On March 5, 2025, Mozambican police allegedly opened fire with live rounds on protesters supporting opposition leader Venancio Mondlane in Maputo. Eyewitnesses and local activists reported that at least 16 individuals were injured during the incident, which occurred as marchers demonstrated ahead of President Daniel Chapo’s signing of an agreement intended to alleviate violence in the country.
The protests stemmed from discontent following the October 9 presidential election in which Mondlane was the runner-up. He has since been excluded from discussions surrounding the agreement despite the political turmoil.
The aftermath of the election witnessed significant unrest, with accusations of vote-rigging aimed at Chapo’s ruling Frelimo party. Although the top court affirmed the party’s victory, the Constitutional Council announced a lower percentage of votes for Chapo than initially reported by the electoral commission.
Frelimo has maintained power in Mozambique since the nation’s independence from Portugal in 1975. Observers, including the European Union, criticized the election as not being free or fair, urging electoral bodies to ensure transparency in vote counting. Reports from international human rights organizations indicate that security forces have killed over 100 individuals since the protests began, with local coalition Plataforma Decide estimating the death toll at more than 300.
The recent police actions against opposition supporters in Mozambique highlight the ongoing political distress following the controversial election and the exclusion of key opposition figures from peace talks. The significant injuries reported during protests further emphasize the urgent need for transparent political processes and security reform in a nation still grappling with historical governance issues. The alleged vote rigging and the ruling party’s historical control over the political landscape signal continuing challenges for democracy and human rights in Mozambique.
Original Source: www.dw.com
