Mozambican police claim that shots fired near Venâncio Mondlane’s motorcade were meant to disperse crowds, not to attack him. The incident occurred during a political agreement ceremony and led to injuries among supporters. The unrest is part of ongoing protests against the election results, with significant societal implications. 353 fatalities have been reported since protests began in October.
On Thursday, Mozambican police stated that the shots fired near Venâncio Mondlane’s motorcade were aimed at dispersing the crowd rather than targeting the former presidential candidate. Police spokesperson Leonel Muchina explained that security measures, including tear gas, were necessary to prevent the crowd from moving towards the venue of a significant political ceremony in Maputo.
The incident occurred around 1:00 p.m. as Mondlane’s convoy traveled from Praça da Juventude to Praça dos Combatentes. Abdul Nariz, a member of Mondlane’s communications team, described being startled by the heavily armed police, who reportedly used tear gas and live ammunition.
Several individuals, including a member of Mondlane’s entourage, sustained injuries during the chaos, which authorities claimed were primarily due to panic rather than direct gunfire. Muchina emphasized that although there were injuries, police had no confirmed reports of gunshot victims and that further investigations would be conducted.
The situation escalated as Mondlane’s supporters blocked the main road in protest against the police action, coinciding with the signing of a political agreement aimed at addressing the post-election crisis in Mozambique. Police were deployed strategically around Maputo to maintain order amidst ongoing tensions.
Since last October, Mozambique has been experiencing significant social unrest due to protests against the election results that favored President Daniel Chapo over Mondlane. Demonstrations continue, fueled by public grievances regarding the rising cost of living. According to the ‘Decide’ platform, the unrest has resulted in at least 353 fatalities, including minors, while the government acknowledges at least 80 deaths and extensive property damage.
The Mozambican police’s assertion that shots fired near Venâncio Mondlane’s motorcade were intended to control crowds rather than directly target him highlights the tensions surrounding political protests. The incident reflects a broader climate of unrest in Mozambique, with ongoing discontent regarding governmental actions and election results. The public’s response, marked by protests and blockades, emphasizes the urgency of addressing social issues amidst rising tensions.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
