Hulene Protests Highlight Infrastructure Issues and Governance Failures in Mozambique
Traffic disruptions in Hulene, Mozambique, were caused by inadequate rainwater drainage and a protest over an alleged gunfire attack on community member Dinis Tivane. Barricades were erected, prompting police intervention, which led to injuries and increased tensions. Local residents demand accountability and better infrastructure management after years of flooding issues.
In Mozambique, traffic flow between the Magoanine and Malhazine neighborhoods, as well as on Rua da Beira in Hulene, faced disruptions due to inadequate rainwater drainage management affecting local homes for over two years. The restrictions were intensified by a protest against an alleged gunfire incident involving Dinis Tivane, who supports Venâncio Mondlane.
Residents, dissatisfied with the situation, set up barricades and burned tires to halt vehicle movement. This led many public transport users to walk or seek alternate routes, causing delays in reaching their destinations. “We couldn’t travel because the roads were blocked. We had to look for alternative routes, which made us late,” reported driver Amélia Martins.
The alleged attack on Tivane occurred when unknown assailants fired over 20 shots at his house, prompting calls for a thorough investigation from the community. Protester Jacinto Abneiro demanded immediate clarification on the incident. In response to the escalating protests, police deployed tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd, resulting in injuries in the Magoanine area and heightening tensions among protesters.
“We were demanding our rights, but the police responded with violence,” lamented Vivian Beula, a long-time neighborhood resident. As our reporting team exited the scene, police from various units remained to ensure the situation was under control in areas affected by the blockades.
The ongoing mobility restrictions in Mozambique’s Hulene area stem from both a long-standing infrastructure issue regarding rainwater drainage and recent escalated tensions linked to a violent incident involving a community supporter. Affected residents expressed their grievances through protests while clashing with police, resulting in injuries and heightened community unrest. Calls for justice and effective investigations are mounting from the local populace, indicating a need for both infrastructural and governance reforms.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
