Police Violence Against Protesters in Mozambique Escalates Political Tensions
Mozambican police clashed with protesters supporting opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, firing live rounds in Maputo. At least 16 were injured during the demonstration against President Daniel Chapo, who was to sign a peace agreement. Following October’s controversial elections, where Mondlane claimed electoral fraud, unrest persists, raising human rights concerns with multiple reported casualties since protests began.
In Maputo, Mozambique, police engaged in violent confrontations with protesters who were demonstrating in support of opposition leader Venancio Mondlane. Reports from Mondlane’s aides and local activists indicate that police fired live ammunition to disperse the crowds, resulting in at least 16 injuries among the demonstrators. The protest occurred shortly before President Daniel Chapo was scheduled to sign a peace agreement with various political parties aimed at ceasing violence in the nation.
The protests are a reaction to the controversial presidential election held on October 9, where Mondlane finished second but was excluded from negotiations regarding the peace agreement. Accusations of electoral fraud have circulated, with the opposition claiming that the ruling Frelimo party, led by Chapo, manipulated the voting process. The Constitutional Council declared that Frelimo secured 65% of the vote, contradicting preliminary figures that suggested a higher percentage for the ruling party.
The Frelimo party has maintained power in Mozambique since the country’s independence in 1975. International observers, including representatives from the European Union, have raised concerns regarding the integrity of the election, emphasizing a need for transparency throughout the vote-counting process. Following the elections and ensuing protests, human rights organizations report over 100 deaths at the hands of security forces, while some sources estimate the fatalities to exceed 300, raising serious alarms about the current human rights situation in Mozambique.
The violent repression of opposition rallies in Mozambique highlights ongoing political tension following last year’s disputed election. With international observers questioning the integrity of the electoral process and significant casualties reported, the situation underscores the need for dialogue and reform to address these pressing issues. The exclusion of key opposition figures from crucial agreements further complicates the roadmap to peace and stability in the country.
Original Source: www.dw.com
