Mozambique Police Open Fire on Protesters, Resulting in Fatalities

Mozambique police shot and killed two protesters in Maputo while dispersing a demonstration organized by opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, who contends the recent presidential election was rigged. Civil society groups reported police violence and previously documented over 360 deaths during protests following the claims of electoral fraud. The discontent among the populace continues to grow amid concerns about human rights violations and government accountability.

On Tuesday, Mozambique police opened fire in Maputo on protesters, resulting in the deaths of two individuals, according to witnesses and journalists from the AFP. This incident marks the first significant protest organized by opposition leader Venancio Mondlane since the controversial presidential elections in October, which he asserts were rigged in favor of President Daniel Chapo.

Photographs taken by AFP show two lifeless bodies covered by blankets, lying in pools of blood in the Matola region of Maputo. Witnesses reported that the police arrived to disperse the demonstration and discharged their weapons, resulting in one individual being shot in the head.

Civil society groups corroborated claims that the police used live ammunition during the protest actions. Mondlane, who finished second in the election under disputed circumstances noted by various international observers, claims his victory was unlawfully denied. Following these allegations, protests ensued wherein over 360 individuals were reportedly killed by police forces, according to the local group Plataforma Decide.

Earlier this month, police violence had already been evident when they injured approximately 14 individuals during a previous opposition march. Social media posts from Plataforma Decide confirmed the death of one protester on Tuesday and highlighted accounts of police chasing victims into neighborhoods.

According to a representative from Mozambique’s Centre for Democracy and Development, their team was shot at by the police’s Rapid Intervention Unit while covering the demonstrations. Human rights officer Andre Mulungo indicated that the individuals were peacefully protesting when they were confronted by law enforcement, who retaliated with gunfire.

One protestor expressed anger and despair, stating, “We have no jobs, nothing. They are killing us; what are we going to do? They want blood?” President Chapo, who took office in January, represents the Frelimo party, which has held power in Mozambique since 1975, following the country’s independence from Portugal. Official election results credited Chapo with 65 percent of the vote compared to Mondlane’s 24 percent, although the opposition leader claims he secured 53 percent, representing a significant challenge to Frelimo’s long-entrenched dominance.

The police’s recent violent actions during a protest in Mozambique have raised significant concerns regarding the state’s treatment of dissenting voices and the legitimacy of the electoral process. With claims of widespread electoral irregularities and the subsequent fallout resulting in numerous deaths, the fundamental issues surrounding governance and human rights in Mozambique are increasingly in the spotlight. As protests continue, pressure mounts on the government to address its handling of civil dissent and to ensure accountability for actions taken by law enforcement.

Original Source: www.france24.com