Venancio Mondlane’s call for a general strike in Mozambique was largely ignored, with few disruptions reported. Police violence resulted in multiple deaths in clashes, while Mondlane attempted to redefine Heroes’ Day amidst ongoing political tensions. His efforts to honor historical figures reflect a contentious relationship with the ruling Frelimo party.
Former Mozambican presidential candidate Venancio Mondlane issued a call for a general strike on Tuesday to honor “the true heroes of the people,” yet the response was notably subdued. Unlike previous strikes, Maputo remained largely unaffected, with no visible disturbances such as gangs blocking streets or burning tires. Although many schools operated normally, public transport faced challenges as minibus owners remained cautious, avoiding the streets to prevent potential attacks.
While some shopkeepers chose to remain closed due to apprehension stemming from December’s riots, there were no reports of vandalism. However, clashes did occur, particularly in the Casa Branca area, where police utilized tear gas and live ammunition against crowds, resulting in multiple fatalities. According to the “Decide” Electoral Platform, at least two individuals were shot dead in these confrontations, raising concerns about police conduct amidst ongoing tensions.
The call for the general strike followed Mondlane’s decision to cancel the traditional Heroes’ Day celebrations originally set for February 3. He asserted that Heroes’ Day would now be commemorated on March 18, to mark a violent police response to peaceful demonstrators in 2023. Despite Mondlane’s assertion of victory in the October presidential election, the public largely disregarded his declarations as the Heroes’ Day ceremonies proceeded as planned with President Daniel Chapo delivering an address.
Mondlane further published a list of national heroes, placing Eduardo Mondlane—an influential figure in Mozambique’s liberation—ahead, alongside Frelimo’s first president, Samora Machel. He also included notable victims of violence and injustice, reflecting his criticism of the ruling Frelimo party while recognizing foundational figures in the country’s history.
In conclusion, Venancio Mondlane’s recent general strike call met with minimal public support, highlighting growing disinterest in his actions. Despite two fatalities during police confrontations, the overall response was significantly less intense than in previous strikes. Additionally, Mondlane’s attempts to redefine Heroes’ Day and his proposed list of heroes indicate both his commitment to his cause and the ongoing socio-political tensions within Mozambique. The disconnection between Mondlane’s decrees and public sentiment underscores the complexities of the political landscape in the country today.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
