Mozambique’s Leaders Embrace Both Dialogue and Confrontation Amid Protests

Mozambique’s President Daniel Chapo declared March 5, 2025, a “Day of Dialogue” to address the political crisis, but protests led by Venancio Mondlane erupted into violence. Mondlane continues to challenge the ruling FRELIMO party over election credibility. He has initiated a new political party in response to dissatisfaction with traditional parties. Public trust is shifting, potentially setting the stage for future electoral challenges.

On March 5, 2025, the Mozambican government designated this date as a “Day of Dialogue,” with President Daniel Chapo signing an agreement with all parliamentary political parties aimed at resolving the ongoing post-election crisis. Unfortunately, the day was marred by violence as protests erupted, leading to police brutality that has become increasingly common in recent months.

The protests were spearheaded by former presidential candidate Venancio Mondlane and drew thousands of supporters. His exclusion from the “Day of Dialogue” prompted him to organize a “peaceful walk” through impoverished areas of Maputo, but the situation deteriorated rapidly. Mondlane continues to accuse the ruling FRELIMO party of elections fraud, declaring himself the rightful election winner of October 9, 2024.

Mondlane has committed to initiating “daily protests over the next five years” if he is not included in dialogue efforts. His demonstration was violently disrupted as police employed tear gas and live ammunition against the peaceful crowd, injuring at least 16 individuals, including children. The non-governmental organization “Plataforma Decide” provided these details, highlighting the escalating violence against unarmed protesters.

Since the violent encounter, Mondlane has gone underground, with his team expressing concern over his whereabouts. Dinis Tivane, Mondlane’s spokesperson, condemned the police action as a barbaric attack on peaceful citizens. Wilker Dias from “Plataforma Decide” affirmed the peaceful nature of the demonstration and criticized the police’s extreme response.

Competitively, FRELIMO has maintained power since Mozambique’s independence in 1975, currently led by Daniel Chapo. His reconciliatory approach is viewed skeptically by critics, who accuse him of failing to implement real change. Mondlane, a charismatic leader among the populace, particularly in poorer regions, continues to champion opposition after his exclusion from his previous party, RENAMO.

In 2023, after being barred from leading RENAMO, Mondlane formed the “Coligacao Alianca Democratica” (CAD), a coalition excluded from elections due to alleged irregularities. Consequently, he campaigned as an independent candidate in the 2024 presidential elections with some backing from PODEMOS, despite its official vote tally being disputed.

Following the elections, Mondlane claimed that PODEMOS had been compromised by the government and is now advocating for the establishment of a new political party, the “National Alliance for an Autonomous and Free Mozambique” (ANAMALALA). Supporters have faced significant hurdles, including imposed fees varying from government notaries, hindering the party’s formation.

Despite these challenges, political analyst Sismo Eduardo Muchaiabande believes that Mondlane could become a formidable competitor against FRELIMO in the future. He notes that public trust in traditional parties is waning, with many now looking to Mondlane as a potential leader. However, the impact of any new party will not be fully realized until the next elections in 2029.

In summary, the situation in Mozambique presents a complex interplay of political strife and public dissent. President Daniel Chapo’s conciliatory measures have not quelled unrest, as demonstrated by the violent protests led by opposition figure Venancio Mondlane. The emergence of Mondlane’s new political party reflects a shift in public sentiment, seeking new representation. As Mozambique approaches future elections, the evolving political landscape remains uncertain and warrants close observation.

Original Source: www.dw.com