A member of Venâncio Mondlane’s entourage was injured in Maputo during a police shooting that targeted his political caravan. Police used tear gas and real bullets to disperse the crowd after Mondlane’s march, reflecting heightened tensions amid a political agreement aimed at resolving a post-electoral crisis. The exclusion of Mondlane from dialogues adds to public dissatisfaction, amidst ongoing protests over election results and rising living costs.
A member of Venâncio Mondlane’s entourage was injured during a police shooting aimed at dispersing a crowd after a political march in Maputo. The incident transpired around 1 PM in the Hulene neighborhood as Mondlane’s caravan progressed from Praça da Juventude to Praça dos Combatentes. Police, heavily armed, deployed tear gas and live ammunition to control the situation, prompting the caravan members to seek safety.
Abdul Nariz from Mondlane’s communications team reported insights on the incident, noting, “We were surprised when a heavily armed police group started shooting directly at the vehicle where Venâncio Mondlane was.” He confirmed that one individual sustained injuries due to the police’s actions but abstained from disclosing further details regarding their condition.
In response to rising tensions, Mozambican police have established a presence on key roads leading to the Joaquim Chissano Conference Center, where a political agreement will be signed today. This agreement aims to address state reforms amidst ongoing negotiations to resolve the post-electoral crisis in Mozambique. The signing involves various political groups, including those supporting Mondlane, such as Podemos, Renamo, and MDM.
Despite the government’s commitment to engaging a broader array of societal segments, concerns persist regarding Mondlane’s exclusion from these discussions. This is particularly significant as he is the second most voted candidate in the previous elections and is challenging the electoral outcomes. President Daniel Chapo expressed a firm stance, promising to quell post-election protests and uphold national sovereignty, stating, “We will shed blood to defend this homeland against demonstrations.”
The situation in Mozambique has intensified since demonstrations and strikes began in October, fueled by dissatisfaction with the election results announced on October 9, where Daniel Chapo was declared the winner. Currently, protests persist in multiple regions, driven by grievances over electoral outcomes and escalating living costs.
The shooting incident during Venâncio Mondlane’s political rally illustrates the heightened tensions in Mozambique’s political landscape. The police’s aggressive response reflects an ongoing struggle regarding public dissent, particularly against the backdrop of Mondlane’s challenge to the election results. Despite governmental assurances of broader dialogue, his exclusion raises significant concerns among analysts and political observers, amidst ongoing social unrest in the country.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
