Venâncio Mondlane criticizes an impending political agreement in Mozambique as lacking genuine public representation. He vows to lead daily protests for five years in response to social unrest following disputed election results. Despite the government acknowledging unrest, concerns about public engagement in political reforms remain pertinent.
Former presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane has publicly criticized a political agreement set to be signed by the Mozambican president and political parties, characterizing it as lacking genuine public involvement. He stated, “It’s an agreement of people without people… So what they’re going to sign is a kind of paper,” while addressing supporters in Maputo’s Magoanine neighborhood. This agreement, aimed at fostering state reforms, occurs amid a backdrop of ongoing social unrest due to post-election discontent.
The signing ceremony, scheduled to take place at the Joaquim Chissano Conference Centre, involves Mozambique’s main political parties, including Podemos, Renamo, and MDM, along with the extra-parliamentary entity Nova Democracia. Despite the president’s assurances to broaden participation in political dialogues, critics note the exclusion of Mondlane, who received significant voter support in the recent elections and has been vocal about electoral grievances.
In his address, Mondlane committed to organizing daily protests from 2025 to 2030, stating, “If you don’t do what the people want, you won’t govern in Mozambique.” His statements follow a series of protests that erupted after disputed election results from October 9, which declared Daniel Chapo the winner. The protests have highlighted widespread dissatisfaction with the rising cost of living and escalating social issues in the country.
The unrest has escalated in Mozambique, with reports indicating at least 353 fatalities, including children, and approximately 3,500 injuries related to demonstrations, according to the electoral monitoring NGO, Decide. The government has confirmed 80 deaths and significant destruction of property, including 1,677 commercial establishments and numerous schools and health centers.
In conclusion, Venâncio Mondlane’s criticism of the political agreement underscores a significant discontent regarding the government’s transparency and accountability to the populace. His commitment to persistent protests emphasizes the gravity of the current socio-political climate in Mozambique as citizens rally against electoral disputes and the rising cost of living. The turmoil reflects broader challenges that the nation must address to foster stability and address public grievances.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
