Protests in Mozambique Turn Deadly as Police Open Fire
Mozambique police opened fire on protesters in Maputo on Tuesday, killing two people during a demonstration led by opposition leader Venancio Mondlane. The protest marked the first major shutdown in weeks, following months of unrest after the October presidential elections, which Mondlane claims were rigged in favor of President Daniel Chapo. Witnesses reported chaotic scenes as police dispersed the crowd, with one victim fatally shot in the head.
The demonstrations stem from Mondlane’s allegations of electoral fraud, with international observers noting irregularities in the election process. Mondlane, who officially came second with 24% of the vote, asserts he won 53%, challenging Chapo’s declared victory. The protests have resulted in over 360 deaths since October, according to local civil society group Plataforma Decide.
Tuesday’s violence drew condemnation from human rights organizations, with reports of police using live ammunition and tear gas. The Centre for Democracy and Development confirmed that its team was targeted during the protests. Witnesses described police chasing protesters into neighborhoods and firing live rounds, escalating tensions in the capital.
President Chapo, who took office in January, faces mounting criticism as his Frelimo party, in power since 1975, confronts its most significant challenge in decades. Protesters, many of whom are unemployed youth, continue to demand justice and accountability, chanting slogans against the government’s actions.
The ongoing unrest highlights Mozambique’s deep political and social divisions. As the protests persist, calls for transparency and reform grow louder, with the international community closely monitoring the situation. The government’s response to the crisis will likely shape the country’s political landscape for years to come.
Source: ModernGhana