Venâncio Mondlane critiques a political agreement in Mozambique, emphasizing its lack of public involvement. He plans to launch daily protests over five years to demand government action addressing citizen needs. The government and several political parties are set to sign the agreement aimed at state reforms amid escalating public unrest over election results and social issues, which have resulted in numerous casualties and widespread demonstrations.
Former presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane has vehemently criticized the political agreement scheduled to be signed by the Mozambican president and various political parties, deeming it an arrangement that lacks genuine public participation. He described it as an “agreement of people without people,” asserting that the agreement will effectively be a mere formality without the involvement of the citizenry. Mondlane announced his intent to initiate daily protests over the next five years to demand that the government address the needs of the populace.
Today, in Maputo, the Mozambican government is set to formalize an agreement aimed at implementing state reforms, a step intended to foster political dialogue and resolve the ongoing post-election crisis. This event will take place at the Joaquim Chissano Conference Centre, commencing at 15:00 local time. Participating parties include the Optimistic People for the Development of Mozambique (Podemos), the Mozambican National Resistance (Renamo), the Democratic Movement of Mozambique (MDM), as well as the extra-parliamentary Nova Democracia.
Despite the president’s assurances regarding the expansion of dialogue to various societal segments, critics have highlighted the notable exclusion of Mondlane, who was the runner-up in the most recent elections. Academics and analysts have pointed out this omission as a significant oversight in the political process. Mondlane, who continues to contest the election results of October 9, is expressing dissatisfaction with the government’s approach and vows to incite public demonstrations in response to this exclusion.
In his address, Mondlane threatened a campaign of sustained protests, indicating that there would be 1,825 days of demonstrations scheduled from 2025 to 2030 if governmental actions do not align with public demands. “If you do not do what the people want, you will not govern in Mozambique,” he stated emphatically.
The unrest in Mozambique has escalated since October, resulting in significant public demonstrations against the election results, which declared Daniel Chapo the victor. Concerns over the rising cost of living and various social injustices have fueled public discontent. Reports indicate that since the onset of protests, at least 353 individuals have lost their lives, with more than 3,500 others injured. The government has confirmed a death toll of at least 80, alongside extensive damage to commercial and public properties during the unrest.
In conclusion, Venâncio Mondlane’s condemnation of the political agreement in Mozambique highlights growing dissatisfaction among citizens who feel excluded from crucial political processes. With his commitment to ongoing protests, the situation remains tense as he advocates for governmental accountability. As social unrest continues to affect the nation, the need for genuine political dialogue that includes all segments of society becomes increasingly vital.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com