Violence Erupts in Mozambique as Police Clash with Opposition Protesters
Mozambican police used excessive force against protesters led by opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane, injuring at least a dozen individuals. The violence coincided with planned political discussions led by President Daniel Chapo, from which Mondlane was excluded. Eyewitnesses reported live ammunition use and multiple casualties, prompting reactions from civil society and international observers. Mondlane has vowed to continue protests against the political agreement he deems illegitimate.
In Mozambique, at least a dozen individuals sustained injuries following a violent clash involving police dispersing a protest led by opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane, who was the presidential election’s runner-up. Eyewitness accounts indicate the police opened fire with live ammunition at Mondlane’s convoy and the accompanying anti-government protesters in Maputo. Despite the alarming incident, officials have yet to provide a public response.
The protests occurred as President Daniel Chapo was set to sign an agreement to address ongoing unrest stemming from the contested election. Mondlane, who has spearheaded the protests, was notably excluded from participating in the discussions concerning the forthcoming deal.
According to Mondlane’s office, a police rapid intervention unit violently assaulted his convoy, reportedly firing live rounds and utilizing tear gas. Interior Minister Paulo Chachine later remarked that police actions were intended to maintain order during the event and refuted claims of an assassination attempt on Mondlane.
Local civil society group Plataforma Decide reported that sixteen individuals were injured, although the BBC has not verified these figures. Mondlane’s team alleged that police gunfire resulted in the deaths of two nearby schoolchildren and indicated that the leader’s status remains uncertain, raising concerns among his supporters.
A video circulated on social media captured the chaos as gunfire erupted, prompting citizens to flee and leaving a scene of panic in its wake. A protester described the encounter as an ambush, noting multiple injuries among the crowd and relaying distressing accounts of a child who succumbed to gunshot wounds in the hospital.
Portugal, Mozambique’s former colonial ruler, denounced the attack on Mondlane’s convoy and urged for restraint and respect for human rights. The Portuguese foreign ministry expressed condolences to those affected by the violence.
Since President Chapo assumed office, he has expressed a commitment to fostering political dialogue to resolve the election-related crisis. However, critiques arose regarding his exclusion of Mondlane from these crucial discussions. Mondlane condemned the upcoming political agreement as illegitimate, vowing continued protests until the needs of the populace are met.
The toll of violence surrounding the protests has escalated, with civil society organizations reporting nearly 400 fatalities since October, underscoring the urgency of addressing the nation’s political turmoil.
The recent violent clashes in Mozambique highlight the escalating tensions between police and opposition figures amid ongoing political unrest. The injuries sustained and the controversial exclusion of Venâncio Mondlane from negotiations raise serious concerns about governance and public safety in the country. The international community’s reaction, particularly from Portugal, underscores the broader implications of Mozambique’s political crisis as the nation continues to grapple with an urgent need for dialogue and reform.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
