Police in Mozambique opened fire on protesters in Maputo, resulting in two deaths during a demonstration led by opposition leader Venancio Mondlane. The protest followed allegations of election rigging in favor of President Daniel Chapo. Eyewitness accounts and civil society reports confirm the violent actions of the police, underscoring ongoing unrest and dissatisfaction with governance in Mozambique.
On Tuesday, police in Mozambique opened fire on demonstrators in Maputo, resulting in the deaths of two individuals, according to eyewitnesses and journalists from AFP. The protests were organized by opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, marking a significant event following a series of violent demonstrations after the October presidential elections, which Mondlane alleges were tampered with in favor of President Daniel Chapo.
Disturbing images captured by AFP reveal two bodies beneath blankets, surrounded by blood in the Matola district. Witnesses report that the police aimed to disperse the crowd before discharging firearms, resulting in one individual sustaining a fatal head injury. This incident is corroborated by two local civil society organizations, which also reported that police used deadly force.
Mondlane, who lost to Chapo in the presidential race to claims of widespread irregularities identified by international observers, has consistently asserted that he was denied victory. In recent months, over 360 deaths have reportedly occurred during police confrontations with protestors, as cited by the local civil society group Plataforma Decide. Just earlier this month, police injured at least 14 individuals while suppressing a separate opposition demonstration using live ammunition.
Plataforma Decide verified one of the fatalities on social media, depicting one of the deceased. A witness recounted that the police pursued the victims into a residential area before shooting. Additionally, Mozambique’s Centre for Democracy and Development posted on social media alleging that the police’s Rapid Intervention Unit fired live rounds at their coverage team amid the protests. CDD’s human rights officer Andre Mulungo remarked that demonstrators were peacefully protesting when they were confronted and shot at by the police.
Public sentiment among protestors reflects deep dissatisfaction, as one individual, concealing his identity, expressed, “We have no jobs, nothing. They’re killing us, what are we going to do? They want blood?” Since taking office in mid-January, President Chapo’s ruling Frelimo party, in power since independence in 1975, faces mounting opposition. While Chapo was reportedly elected with 65 percent of votes, Mondlane insists that he secured 53 percent, indicating a significant challenge to Frelimo’s longstanding dominance.
The recent violent clashes in Mozambique, marked by police brutality leading to two fatalities during a protest, reflect ongoing tensions in the country following disputed elections. Opposition leader Venancio Mondlane continues to rally support against President Daniel Chapo’s administration, which has faced criticism for its handling of dissent. The situation underscores the challenges facing Mozambique as civil society groups urge accountability amidst calls for justice and reform, prompting renewed dialogue on governance and human rights.
Original Source: www.victoriaadvocate.com
