Mozambique: Limited Response to Venancio Mondlane’s General Strike

Venancio Mondlane’s call for a general strike faced minimal adherence in Mozambique, with normalcy prevailing in Maputo and schools remaining open. While public transport was affected due to safety fears, significant violence was limited to isolated incidents involving police and demonstrators. Mondlane’s declaration to shift Heroes’ Day was largely ignored, underscoring the contentious political atmosphere.

On Tuesday, former presidential candidate Venancio Mondlane initiated a general strike purportedly to honor “the true heroes of the people”; however, the response was largely muted. In Maputo, life proceeded normally without the previous disruptions typically associated with his strikes, such as street blockades or burning tires. Schools remained operational, unlike the strikes in the prior months which had significantly impacted educational institutions.

While transportation services were indeed affected as many minibus operators chose to refrain from service due to safety fears, there were no reported incidents of vandalism or attacks on vehicles. Some shopkeepers opted to close their businesses, recalling the unrest that occurred during the previous strikes. By midday, the only report of violence emerged from the Casa Branca area, where police responded to crowds with tear gas and live ammunition, resulting in at least two fatalities, according to the “Decide” Electoral Platform.

In a sorrowful turn of events, it was noted that a Mondlane supporter, Ivo Nhantumbo, was found murdered in the Inharrime district. The data suggests a grim trend, with “Decide” reporting the murders of at least 15 of Mondlane’s supporters since December. The protests were initiated following Mondlane’s cancellation of the established Heroes’ Day celebrations intended for February 3rd, asserting that the commemorative day should shift to March 18th.

This new date signifies the anniversary of police violence against peaceful demonstrators in March 2023. While Mondlane made this declaration under the pretext of changing the observance, most citizens continued with the traditional ceremonies as President Daniel Chapo officiated at Heroes Square in Maputo. Regardless of Mondlane’s claims of electoral victory, his unilateral decisions raised questions about the propriety of designating national holidays or heroes.

In his newly proposed list of heroes, Mondlane included Eduardo Mondlane, the historical figure after whom he is named, and other notable leaders from Frelimo’s history, suggesting a complex relationship with his party’s legacy. The list also recognized victims of violence, such as lawyers and journalists who had faced persecution for their activism. Mondlane’s selections illustrate a commitment to honoring those impacted by political strife in Mozambique while navigating a contentious political landscape.

In summary, the recent general strike called by Venancio Mondlane received minimal participation and was characterized by a largely normal atmosphere in Maputo. Despite some disruption in public transport and a few closures of businesses, there were no significant confrontations. The underlying tensions remain evident through tragic incidents of violence against Mondlane’s supporters, juxtaposed against the backdrop of governmental ceremonies continuing as customary. Mondlane’s attempts to redefine Heroes’ Day and his list of heroes reflect ongoing political complexities in Mozambique.

Original Source: clubofmozambique.com