Mozambican police shot at opposition leader Venancio Mondlane’s supporters during a protest in Maputo on Wednesday, injuring at least one person. The protest preceded President Daniel Chapo’s signing of a controversial political agreement, which Mondlane was excluded from. Analysts warn that his absence could undermine stability in Mozambique as civil unrest persists following disputed elections.
On Wednesday, Mozambican police fired upon supporters of opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, wounding an individual during a protest march in Maputo, as reported by Lusa, a Portuguese news agency. The protest coincided with President Daniel Chapo’s impending signing of an agreement with several political parties to address ongoing protests regarding his contentious electoral victory last year.
Despite finishing second in the presidential election, Mondlane has been excluded from the negotiations related to this agreement, which aims to review the nation’s electoral laws. Analysts express concern that his exclusion may limit the potential for stability within Mozambique, a resource-rich nation.
A police spokesperson confirmed the dispersal of protestors in the capital but refrained from providing further details. Mondlane was unavailable for comment. In a live broadcast from Mondlane’s Facebook page, he was filmed in a car amidst a cheering crowd, until gunfire erupted, prompting a swift cut to the video.
Zenaida Machado, a senior researcher at Human Rights Watch, noted that the organization verified that at least ten individuals suffered injuries from police actions during the protest. She emphasized that firing upon peaceful gatherings undermines Mozambique’s path to stability. According to local monitoring group Plataforma Decide, over 350 individuals have lost their lives in protests following the October election.
Mondlane confirmed his commitment to ongoing protests against the government, stating the agreement being signed was conducted “without the people.” He accused Chapo and his Frelimo party of electoral fraud, a claim that international observers support due to the lack of fair electoral practices. Conversely, Frelimo, governing Mozambique since 1975, denies all allegations of electoral malfeasance.
The incident highlights escalating tensions in Mozambique surrounding the political landscape and recent electoral disputes. The use of force against opposition supporters raises significant concerns regarding human rights and governmental accountability. With Mondlane’s exclusion from talks and continued unrest, the future stability of Mozambique remains uncertain and fraught with challenges.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
