Mozambican police fired on a protest led by opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane, resulting in at least a dozen injuries. The protest coincided with President Daniel Chapo’s signing of a political deal to end unrest from a disputed election. Mondlane, excluded from negotiations, condemned the incident and pledged to continue protests. The international community has expressed concern regarding human rights and civil liberties following the violence.
On a recent day in Maputo, it was reported that Mozambican police injured at least a dozen individuals while forcefully dispersing a protest led by Venâncio Mondlane, who previously secured second place in the contentious presidential election. Mondlane’s supporters and a civil society organization indicated that police utilized live ammunition against both his convoy and the anti-government demonstrators. The authorities have yet to release an official statement on the incident.
The protests occurred just as President Daniel Chapo was preparing to formalize a political agreement to address ongoing unrest related to the disputed election. Notably, Mondlane was not included in the negotiations leading up to the signing ceremony. Reports from Mondlane’s office detailed that during a public procession, his convoy was ambushed by armed police utilizing live rounds and tear gas.
Interior Minister Paulo Chachine provided a justification for the police response, asserting their obligation to maintain order during the political agreement signing. He refuted claims that the police aimed to assassinate Mondlane. Local civil society group Plataforma Decide reported that 16 individuals sustained injuries, whereas Mondlane’s team claimed that two children had died due to police gunfire, with Mondlane’s condition and whereabouts remaining unclear.
Witness accounts revealed a chaotic scene as gunfire erupted, with many fleeing for safety while others were seriously injured. One 27-year-old protestor, Silvestre Alexandre, recounted seeing multiple victims, including a child who succumbed to injuries sustained in the shooting. The violent attack on Mondlane’s convoy drew condemnation from Portugal, the former colonial power, which urged restraint and adherence to fundamental rights.
Since Chapo assumed office in January, he has pledged to foster a comprehensive dialogue encompassing various societal segments to resolve the ongoing post-election crisis. Nevertheless, critics argue that his exclusion of Mondlane undermines these efforts. Mondlane has publicly denounced the political deal as one crafted “without the people” and vowed to sustain the protests until the government respects the citizens’ demands. Since October, nearly 400 individuals have reportedly lost their lives due to violence associated with the protests.
In summary, the violent police response during the opposition-led protest in Mozambique has resulted in multiple injuries, raising serious concerns about governmental accountability and human rights. The exclusion of Venâncio Mondlane from the political talks signifies ongoing tensions and the necessity for inclusive dialogue. As protests continue, the need for governmental adherence to the people’s wishes is becoming increasingly urgent to avert further violence and restore peace. The international community’s reaction suggests growing scrutiny of Mozambique’s handling of dissent and emphasizes the importance of preserving fundamental rights.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
