Police Violence Erupts at Opposition Rally in Mozambique

Mozambican police shot live rounds at opposition supporters during a rally for Venancio Mondlane, injuring 16 people. The protest happened before President Daniel Chapo was set to sign an agreement to end violence, despite Mondlane’s exclusion from negotiations. Allegations of election fraud have fueled ongoing unrest, with over 100 casualties reported since protests began in October.

On March 5, 2025, Mozambican police reportedly fired live ammunition at demonstrators rallying in support of opposition leader Venancio Mondlane in Maputo. According to Mondlane’s aides and various eyewitness accounts, at least 16 individuals sustained injuries during the police intervention aimed at dispersing the crowd. The protest occurred just hours prior to President Daniel Chapo’s anticipated signing of a peace agreement with select political factions to mitigate nationwide violence.

Supporters rallied in support of Mondlane, who had finished second in the presidential elections of October 9 last year. However, he was notably absent from discussions regarding the recent treaty. The protests stem from widespread allegations of election improprieties, with the opposition asserting that Chapo’s ruling Frelimo party manipulated the electoral results.

Despite the Constitutional Council’s confirmation that Frelimo won the elections, discrepancies remain, with initial electoral commission data claiming Chapo secured over 70% of votes compared to the 65% reported later. The Frelimo party has maintained a continuous hold on power since Mozambique gained independence from Portugal in 1975. Observers from the European Union have claimed the elections lacked fairness, urging electoral authorities to ensure transparency in their processes.

Since the protests erupted in October, international human rights organizations have recorded over 100 fatalities attributed to security forces. Local entities, such as Plataforma Decide, suggest the death toll may exceed 300 individuals over the same period.

The recent police violence against opposition supporters in Mozambique highlights ongoing political tensions in the country, rooted in allegations of electoral fraud and subsequent protests. The exclusion of opposition leader Venancio Mondlane from peace negotiations raises concerns about the inclusivity and transparency of the political process. Calls for accountability and reform persist as the government and civil society grapple with the ramifications of prior elections that were deemed neither free nor fair.

Original Source: www.dw.com