Police in Mozambique fired live rounds at protesters supporting opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, injuring at least 16 individuals. The incident occurred as protests intensified following allegations of electoral fraud in the recent presidential elections, in which the Frelimo party was declared the winner despite accusations of malpractice. Over 100 deaths linked to security forces have been reported since the protests began.
Mozambican police recently fired live ammunition at demonstrators supporting opposition leader Venancio Mondlane in Maputo. Eyewitnesses, Mondlane’s aides, and local activists confirmed that at least 16 individuals suffered injuries as police attempted to disperse the gathering. The protest occurred just before President Daniel Chapo was scheduled to sign an agreement aimed at ending the ongoing violence in Mozambique.
The unrest erupted following the October 9 presidential elections, where opposition parties accused Chapo’s ruling Frelimo party of electoral fraud. Although Mozambique’s top court declared Frelimo the electoral victor, discrepancies emerged regarding the vote count. The Constitutional Council reported Chapo received 65% of the vote, contradicting the electoral commission’s earlier claims of over 70%.
Frelimo has held power in Mozambique since independence from Portugal in 1975. International observers, including the European Union, voiced concerns regarding the fairness of the elections. The EU demanded increased transparency in the vote counting and tabulation processes. Additionally, human rights organizations have reported over 100 deaths by security forces during the protests, with some local groups estimating that the toll may exceed 300 fatalities.
In summary, the violent response of Mozambican police to peaceful protests underscores the tensions following the controversial presidential elections of October 2022. With significant injuries reported and rising death tolls, both national and international calls for electoral reform and increased transparency in governance remain paramount in addressing the unrest in the country.
Original Source: www.dw.com
