Venancio Mondlane’s call for a general strike in Mozambique aimed to honor national heroes, yet the public response was notably subdued. Schools remained open and there were minimal transportation disruptions. Some violence did occur in Casa Branca, leading to fatalities, while the cancelled Heroes’ Day celebrations highlighted tensions between Mondlane and the ruling government.
Venancio Mondlane, a former presidential candidate in Mozambique, called for a general strike purportedly to honor the nation’s true heroes; however, the response was minimal. On Tuesday, Maputo remained remarkably normal with schools open, contrasting sharply with the significant disruptions seen in past strikes. Although public transport faced disruptions—due to minibus operators opting to stay off the roads—there were no reported instances of violence or intimidation typically associated with Mondlane’s previous strike calls.
Despite the general calm, a few shopkeepers refrained from opening their businesses out of concern over potential unrest, reminiscent of the riots in December. By midday, incidents of violence were limited to the Casa Branca district where police used tear gas and live ammunition, resulting in at least two fatalities according to the “Decide” Electoral Platform. They also reported the murder of Ivo Nhantumbo, a supporter of Mondlane, discovered dead under grim circumstances.
Since December, the “Decide” platform has noted that 15 of Mondlane’s supporters have lost their lives, alongside the murder of a senior figure from the ruling Frelimo party. The call for a strike was unexpected, coinciding with Mondlane’s announcement that the traditional Heroes’ Day celebrations originally set for February 3 would be canceled. He proposed a new date of March 18, marking an incident in 2023 when police assaulted peaceful demonstrators.
Mondlane’s declaration regarding Heroes’ Day was mostly ignored as ceremonies proceeded in Maputo, attended by President Daniel Chapo. This indicates that, regardless of Mondlane’s claimed electoral victory, he lacks the authority to unilaterally declare public holidays or determine national heroes. He subsequently released a personal list of heroes which controversially included Eduardo Mondlane, among other figures linked to Frelimo’s history, showcasing his nuanced stance towards the party despite expressed animosity.
The response to Venancio Mondlane’s recent call for a general strike in Mozambique underscored a significant disconnect between him and the public. While he aimed to commemorate the country’s true heroes, most citizens remained unaffected by his announcement, highlighting a broader apathy. Additionally, ongoing violence and police repression marked the undercurrents of political strife. Mondlane’s contentious declaration regarding Heroes’ Day further reveals the complexities surrounding national identity and historical narratives within Mozambique.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
