Mozambique Police Violence Against Opposition Protest Leads to Injuries
Mozambican police injured at least a dozen people when they violently dispersed a protest led by opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane. Eyewitnesses reported live ammunition being fired at his convoy. Despite involvement in political negotiations, Mondlane was excluded from talks aimed at resolving election-related unrest. The Portuguese government condemned the violence, while Mondlane vowed to continue protests for public rights. The ongoing crisis has resulted in nearly 400 protest-related deaths since October.
In Mozambique, at least a dozen individuals sustained injuries following a police crackdown on a protest led by opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane. The incident occurred in Maputo, where eyewitness accounts indicated that police fired live ammunition at Mondlane’s convoy and protesters who joined the demonstration. Official responses from the police and authorities remain absent.
The protest coincided with President Daniel Chapo’s upcoming signing of a political agreement aimed at resolving the unrest stemming from a disputed election. Notably, Mondlane was not included in the negotiations leading to this ceremony.
A statement from Mondlane’s office reported that while he was leading a procession, a police contingent attacked his convoy, engaging in gunfire and deploying tear gas. In response, Interior Minister Paulo Chachine asserted that police actions were intended to uphold order during the deal-signing event, denying any assassination attempt against Mondlane.
Local civil society group Plataforma Decide documented 16 injuries, although these figures remain unverified by BBC. Mondlane’s team reported that two children from a nearby school had died, alongside other casualties from gunfire and tear gas exposure. His whereabouts post-incident raised concerns among his supporters.
Eyewitnesses recounted that police gunfire transformed a peaceful march into a chaotic scene reminiscent of an ambush. Reports indicated multiple injuries among protest participants, including a child who later succumbed to their wounds in a hospital.
The Portuguese government criticized the violence against Mondlane’s convoy as “unacceptable” and urged adherence to fundamental rights and restraint from violence. Since Chapo’s presidency began in January, he pledged a broader political dialogue to address the country’s post-election turmoil, yet many remain skeptical due to the exclusion of Mondlane from discussions.
Mondlane denounced the political agreement as inadequate, stating it catered to elites rather than the populace. He emphasized that ongoing protests would continue, stressing, “If they don’t do what the people want, they won’t govern Mozambique.” Violence linked to protests has reportedly caused nearly 400 deaths since October, raising significant concerns over political stability in the region.
The violent dispersal of a peaceful protest in Mozambique highlights the tense political climate following a disputed election. With multiple injuries reported and calls for continued protests, the conflict between the government and opposition remains unresolved. Critics voice concern over the current regime’s dealings, while Mondlane’s exclusion from negotiations raises questions about the legitimacy of political dialogue moving forward. The situation underscores the dire need for cohesive governance that respects citizens’ voices amid rising tensions.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
