Violence Erupts in Mozambique as Police Fire on Opposition Protesters

Mozambican police violently fired on Venâncio Mondlane’s convoy during a protest, resulting in multiple injuries and raising serious concerns about human rights and political dialogue. Police intervention coincided with a political deal-signing ceremony, which excluded Mondlane and heightened tensions. The incident has garnered international condemnation and emphasized ongoing violence in the region since the disputed election.

In Mozambique, police violence has resulted in injuries after they dispersed a protest led by opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane. The protest occurred in Maputo, where eyewitnesses reported that police fired live ammunition at Mondlane’s convoy and the anti-government demonstrators. The incidents transpired while President Daniel Chapo was addressing ongoing tensions arising from a disputed presidential election held last month.

Reports indicate that at least 16 individuals sustained injuries, as confirmed by the local civil society group Plataforma Decide, although the BBC has not verified these figures. Mondlane’s team claimed that two nearby schoolchildren died due to the gunfire and that their own camera person was among those injured. The overall condition and location of Mondlane remain undisclosed, raising concerns among his associates.

Interior Minister Paulo Chachine stated the police acted to prevent disruptions during a forthcoming deal-signing ceremony amid the political unrest, denying any assassination attempt against Mondlane. However, accounts from witnesses have described the police’s actions as ambush-like, emphasizing the chaos that ensued during the peaceful protest. Portugal’s foreign ministry has condemned the attack on Mondlane’s convoy, underscoring the necessity for restraint and respect for human rights.

As tensions aggravate, Mondlane has denounced the political compromises made and reiterated his commitment to continue protests, asserting that officials must respond to the people’s demands. The recent conflicts have resulted in approximately 400 deaths related to protests since October, indicating a critical need for effective political dialogue to resolve the ongoing crisis in Mozambique.

The violent dispersal of a protest led by Venâncio Mondlane in Mozambique highlights the escalating political tensions following a disputed presidential election. Despite calls for dialogue from President Chapo, the exclusion of Mondlane has ignited further unrest. The attacks on protesters and rising casualties underscore the urgency for addressing grievances and restoring public trust in governance, as fragmented negotiations continue to alienate significant segments of the population.

Original Source: www.bbc.com