Police Clash with Mondlane’s Caravan Amid Mozambique’s Political Unrest
Mozambican police shot at Venâncio Mondlane’s caravan in Maputo, injuring a member. The incident occurred during a march amid ongoing unrest following the contentious election results favoring President Daniel Chapo. Critics highlight the absence of Mondlane in dialogues to address the political crisis, with protests demanding reforms and opposing rising living costs continuing throughout the country.
Mozambican police reportedly opened fire on a caravan associated with former presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane, resulting in injuries to a member of the entourage. This incident took place around 1 PM in the Hulene neighborhood of Maputo, where the caravan was moving toward Praça dos Combatentes after starting from Praça da Juventude in Magoanine.
Abdul Nariz, a member of Mondlane’s communications team, described the chaotic scene, stating that the police, heavily armed, began shooting directly at their vehicle, utilizing tear gas and live bullets, prompting the group to flee for safety.
The Mozambican police established a presence across main roads leading to the Joaquim Chissano Conference Center, where a political agreement between Mozambique’s President and various party groups was set to be signed. This agreement focuses on state reforms to resolve the ongoing post-electoral crisis in the country.
The signing ceremony is scheduled for 3 PM and will include representatives from several political parties, including the Optimistic People for the Development of Mozambique (Podemos), the Mozambican National Resistance (Renamo), and the Democratic Movement of Mozambique (MDM), alongside the non-parliamentary New Democracy.
Despite promises from the President to include diverse segments of society in dialogue, critics highlight the exclusion of Venâncio Mondlane, who was the second-highest vote-getter in the recent elections and is contesting the results. President Daniel Chapo has expressed a commitment to suppressing post-election protests while emphasizing national sovereignty.
Since the elections on October 9, Mozambique has seen significant unrest, with Mondlane leading demonstrations against the results favoring Chapo. The ongoing protests, albeit scaled back, focus on grievances over rising living costs and social issues.
The recent shooting incident involving Mozambican police highlights the escalating tensions surrounding Venâncio Mondlane’s political activities and the ongoing unrest following the controversial October elections. While the government continues to promote dialogue among political parties, the exclusion of Mondlane raises significant concerns among critics. The situation in Mozambique remains volatile, with public dissatisfaction focused on electoral legitimacy and socio-economic challenges.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
