Venâncio Mondlane criticized a political agreement to be signed by the Mozambican president and parties, claiming it lacks genuine representation of the public. He announced plans for daily protests for five years to advocate for citizens’ needs. The current unrest, resulting from disputed election results and social grievances, has led to significant violence and casualties across the country.
Former presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane criticized an upcoming political agreement between the Mozambican president and various political parties, calling it an “agreement without the people.” Addressing thousands in a protest at Magoanine, he emphasized that while the agreement is supposedly made in the name of the populace, the people are not genuinely represented. He vowed to initiate daily protests for five years to advocate for the populace’s needs.
The agreement, to be signed at the Joaquim Chissano Conference Centre, aims to tackle post-election reforms and involves several parliamentary parties, including the Optimistic People for the Development of Mozambique (Podemos), the Mozambican National Resistance (Renamo), and the Democratic Movement of Mozambique (MDM). It will also involve the extra-parliamentary party Nova Democracia, demonstrating efforts for broader political dialogue.
Despite President Daniel Chapo’s previous promises to expand dialogue to more societal segments, he faces criticism for not including Mondlane, who garnered the second-highest votes in recent elections and is a prominent critic of the election results, which he disputes. Mondlane underscored the need for accountability and transparency from the government during his speech.
He stated that from 2025 to 2030, there will be 1,825 days of constant demonstrations to ensure the government acts in accordance with the people’s desires. Mondlane rejected the official election results from October 9, which he claims led to significant unrest throughout Mozambique as citizens organized protests demanding action on social issues, including the rising cost of living.
Since October, Mozambique has witnessed severe social uproar, resulting in at least 353 fatalities, some of whom are minors, and approximately 3,500 injuries reported by the electoral monitoring organization Decide. The Mozambican government confirmed at least 80 deaths attributed to the protests, alongside significant infrastructure damage, including the destruction of commercial establishments, schools, and health centers.
The political climate in Mozambique is marked by heightened unrest as former presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane denounces an impending political agreement for lacking genuine representation of the populace. His commitment to a vigorous protest schedule underscores the public’s discontent with the current government’s response to social issues. With rising deaths and injuries amidst protests, the situation remains critical, demanding urgent attention from leadership.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
