Police Violence in Mozambique Protest Claims Two Lives

Mozambique police shot protesters in Maputo on Tuesday, leading to two deaths amid a demonstration organized by opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, who alleges electoral fraud. This protest follows months of unrest and highlights the rising tensions between political factions in the country, particularly under President Daniel Chapo’s rule.

On Tuesday, in Maputo, Mozambique, police fired on protesters, resulting in two fatalities, as reported by witnesses and AFP journalists. This incident marked a significant protest called by opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, who has decried the presidential elections in October as fraudulent in favor of President Daniel Chapo. Photos captured by AFP depicted two bodies covered by blankets in blood on the streets of the Matola area.

According to an AFP photographer present during the incident, police attempted to disperse a gathering but ultimately opened fire, killing two individuals, one of whom sustained a head injury. Local civil society organizations corroborated claims that the police used live ammunition against the protesters. Mondlane, who placed second in the contentious presidential election, alleges he was deprived of victory amidst reported irregularities noted by international observers.

Prior to this incident, substantial violence had marred protests, with over 360 reported deaths linked to police actions against demonstrators. Earlier this month, during another opposition march, 14 individuals were reportedly injured due to police aggression with live bullets. Plataforma Decide, a local civil organization, confirmed one of the fatalities on social media, indicating that police had chased and shot the victims.

Mozambique’s Centre for Democracy and Development stated on social media that live rounds were fired at their team while they were covering the protests. Andre Mulungo, a human rights officer for CDD, stressed that the demonstrators were engaging in peaceful protest when police intervened violently.

One protester, visibly disturbed, voiced the community’s frustration, stating, “We have no jobs, nothing. They are killing us; what are we going to do? They want blood?” President Chapo, a member of the ruling Frelimo party since Mozambique gained independence in 1975, claimed 65 percent of the vote compared to Mondlane’s 24 percent. However, Mondlane contests these figures, asserting he garnered 53 percent due to significant public support, proposing a new challenge to Frelimo’s long-standing dominance.

The recent tragic events in Mozambique highlight the escalating tensions between the government and opposition amid allegations of electoral fraud and violent repression of public dissent. The loss of two lives during a protest underscores the risks faced by citizens advocating for change, as shown by the ongoing struggles for jobs and equality. The situation continues to evolve as various groups rally for accountability and justice in the context of a deeply contested political landscape.

Original Source: www.france24.com