Two protesters were killed by police during a protest in Maputo, Mozambique, led by opposition leader Venancio Mondlane. This unrest follows claims of electoral manipulation in the recent presidential elections favoring President Daniel Chapo. Reports indicate that the police used live ammunition against demonstrators, resulting in multiple injuries and heightened tensions between opposition groups and authorities.
On Tuesday, Mozambique police opened fire on protesters in Maputo, resulting in two fatalities, as reported by witnesses and AFP journalists. This incident marks the first significant protest led by opposition leader Venancio Mondlane in recent weeks amid ongoing unrest following the October presidential elections, which Mondlane alleges were manipulated in President Daniel Chapo’s favor.
Photographic evidence from AFP depicted two lifeless bodies under blankets, situated in pools of blood in the Matola district. An AFP photographer recounted that police intervened to disperse the crowd, during which they opened fire, killing one individual with a gunshot to the head. Local civil society organizations echoed these reports regarding the police’s use of firearms.
Mondlane, who finished second in the presidential election, asserts he was deprived of victory amidst observations of electoral irregularities from international observers. He has attributed over 360 fatalities to police actions during prior protests. Earlier this month, 14 individuals sustained injuries when police employed live ammunition to disperse a separate opposition demonstration.
Plataforma Decide confirmed one of the deaths through a social media post, describing an incident where police pursued the victims into a neighborhood and shot them. The Centre for Democracy and Development highlighted that the police’s Rapid Intervention Unit had fired live rounds at their team while they were documenting the protests.
According to CDD human rights officer Andre Mulungo, the protesters were demonstrating peacefully prior to the police’s arrival, and he expressed concern over the use of lethal force. One protestor criticized the situation, stating, “We have no jobs, nothing. They’re killing us, what are we going to do? They want blood?” Chapo assumed office in January, leading the Frelimo party, which has governed Mozambique since its independence in 1975. His electoral victory was reported at 65 percent compared to Mondlane’s alleged 53 percent, indicating a significant challenge to Frelimo’s longstanding dominance.
The tragic event in Mozambique underscores the escalating tensions between the government and opposition forces following disputed presidential elections. Both the police’s violent response to protests and the high number of casualties highlight the dire situation facing the nation’s citizens. As calls for justice and accountability intensify, the political landscape in Mozambique remains fraught with challenges for both the ruling party and its critics.
Original Source: www.victoriaadvocate.com
