Violence Erupts During Protest in Mozambique as Police Target Mondlane’s Convoy
Mozambican police fired on opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane’s protest, injuring at least 16 people. This incident occurred amidst ongoing tensions following a disputed presidential election, with President Chapo signing a deal excluding Mondlane. Witnesses reported a violent ambush, raising concerns about police conduct and political dialogue in Mozambique.
Mozambican police resorted to violent tactics as they dispersed a protest led by opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane, the runner-up in the disputed presidential election. Reports from Mondlane’s aides and civil society organizations indicate that at least 16 individuals sustained injuries when police opened fire on his convoy and protesters on the streets of Maputo. Eyewitness accounts confirm the use of live ammunition, further escalating tensions.
The violent protests coincided with President Daniel Chapo’s scheduled signing of a political agreement aimed at addressing months of unrest following the election. Mondlane was notably excluded from the negotiations leading up to this ceremony, raising further concerns regarding political inclusivity. A communiqué from his office highlighted that during a procession, Mondlane’s convoy came under attack from police forces who employed both live ammunition and tear gas.
Interior Minister Paulo Chachine remarked that the police acted to prevent disruptions to the deal-signing ceremony, rejecting claims of intent to assassinate Mondlane. Meanwhile, the civil society group Plataforma Decide reported that 16 were injured, including a news crew member, while allegations emerged regarding two children’s deaths due to the police shooting.
Concern for Mondlane’s safety has intensified, with his whereabouts remaining unclear following the ambush. Video evidence and witness testimonies depict chaotic scenes as gunfire erupted, causing panic among protesters. One witness described the police action as an ambush, stating, “I saw some people bleeding from their wounds; a child was shot and lost his life in hospital.”
Portugal, Mozambique’s former colonial overseer, condemned the attack on Mondlane’s convoy and called for restraint and respect for human rights. Chapo has pledged to engage in broader political dialogue to resolve the ongoing crisis, yet his exclusion of Mondlane from these discussions has drawn criticism. Mondlane has rebuffed the political agreement, pledging to continue protests until the people’s demands are addressed, asserting, “If they don’t do what the people want, they won’t govern Mozambique.” Reports suggest over 400 deaths attributed to protest-related violence since October.
In summary, the Mozambican police’s violent dispersal of a protest led by Venâncio Mondlane has drawn significant public concern and condemnation, particularly in light of the ongoing political crisis following the disputed elections. The incident highlights not only the tensions present in Mozambique but also raises serious questions regarding the government’s commitment to political inclusivity and the safety of its citizens. As protests persist, the future of Mozambique’s political landscape remains uncertain, with the people’s demands for representation continuing to be a focal point.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
