Mozambique police shot at protesters in Maputo during a demonstration organized by opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, killing two individuals. This marked a resurgence of protests following controversial elections where Mondlane claims victory was denied. Multiple local groups have reported instances of police violence against civilians, intensifying public outrage and calls for change amidst a backdrop of government oppression.
On Tuesday, police in Maputo, Mozambique, opened fire on a crowd attending a protest organized by opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, resulting in the deaths of two individuals, as reported by witnesses and AFP journalists. This protest marked a significant return to mobilization against the government after months of unrest following the presidential elections in October, which Mondlane alleges were rigged in favor of President Daniel Chapo.
Photos from AFP captured the scene, showing two bodies covered in blankets and lying in pools of blood in the Matola area. An eyewitness described that police arrived to break up the assembly and began firing indiscriminately, resulting in one victim shot in the head. Local civil society organizations corroborated accounts of police firing on protesters.
Mondlane, who placed second in the controversial presidential election, claims the process was marred by irregularities, expressing that he was denied victory. His call for protests follows a tragic history where over 360 individuals lost their lives in police confrontations during previous demonstrations, according to Plataforma Decide, a local civil rights group.
Earlier this month, police actions against another opposition march resulted in 14 injuries stemming from the use of live ammunition. Plataforma Decide has since confirmed one of the fatalities from Tuesday’s protest. A witness recounted that the police pursued and shot the victims as they fled.
The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) reported via social media that members of their team were targeted with live rounds while covering the event. CDD human rights officer Andre Mulungo stated that the protestors were conducting themselves peacefully when confronted by the police, who then resorted to shooting.
An anonymous protestor, deeply frustrated, expressed his despair over the situation: “We are tired of this. We have no jobs, nothing. They’re killing us, what are we going to do? They want blood?”. President Chapo’s government, representing the Frelimo party, has held power since Mozambique gained independence from Portugal in 1975. The recent election results attributed 65% of votes to Chapo and 24% to Mondlane, while the latter contends that he legitimately secured 53%, presenting the most substantial challenge to Frelimo in decades.
The recent events in Mozambique underscore a troubling escalation of violence against opposition protests, highlighting the ongoing political strife following disputed elections. With a death toll rising from police confrontations, frustrations among citizens are palpable, revealing a dire situation where calls for justice and accountability remain unanswered. The intense dynamics reflect historical grievances against Frelimo’s long-standing rule and the pressing need for political reform to ensure peace and stability in the region.
Original Source: www.victoriaadvocate.com
