On Tuesday, Mozambique police shot at protesters in Maputo, killing two, amid protests led by opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, who claims electoral fraud. Witnesses described police using live ammunition during a peaceful demonstration, which has drawn significant condemnation and raised concerns over human rights abuses in the country.
On Tuesday in Mozambique’s capital, Maputo, police fired on protesters during a demonstration called by opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, resulting in two fatalities. Witnesses and AFP journalists reported that the fatalities occurred when authorities attempted to disperse the crowd, which had gathered in protest of the October presidential elections, alleged by Mondlane to be rigged in favor of President Daniel Chapo. The incident marks a significant escalation of violence surrounding ongoing protests since the elections.
Photographs from AFP depicted two deceased individuals covered and lying in pools of blood in the Matola region of Maputo. Eyewitnesses detailed an alarming scene where police reportedly used live ammunition, claiming one victim was shot in the head. Local civil society organizations also corroborated that law enforcement discharged firearms during the protest.
Mondlane, who secured second place in the contentious election amid various irregularities documented by international observer missions, has repeatedly alleged electoral fraud. His call for demonstrations is rooted in the tragic history of police violence against protesters, which has reportedly claimed over 360 lives according to local group Plataforma Decide. Just weeks prior, a police response to an opposition march injured at least 14 individuals.
Following the protests, Plataforma Decide confirmed one of the fatalities via a social media post, citing a witness who claimed police pursued the victims into their neighborhood before opening fire. The Centre for Democracy and Development also reported that the police’s Rapid Intervention Unit targeted its reporters with live rounds during the protest coverage.
Human rights officer Andre Mulungo described how demonstrators had gathered peacefully before being aggressively confronted by police. “We are tired of this,” lamented a protestor, expressing dire frustrations over unemployment and violence. The dissatisfaction echoes a broader sentiment among the populace regarding the government’s stability and accountability under President Chapo, whose Frelimo party has held power since Mozambique gained independence in 1975. Chapo took office with claims of 65% of the votes, while Mondlane asserts he received 53% support, challenging Frelimo’s long-standing dominance.
The violent police response to the protests in Maputo illustrates escalating tensions in Mozambique following a disputed presidential election. With claims from opposition leader Venancio Mondlane of electoral fraud and police brutality, public dissent continues to grow. The widespread discontent toward the Frelimo-led government under President Chapo poses significant challenges to governance and social stability in the region.
Original Source: www.victoriaadvocate.com
