Mozambique’s Day of Dialogue Turns Violent Amid Political Turmoil

Mozambique’s Day of Dialogue on March 5, 2025, was marred by violence as protests led by Venancio Mondlane turned chaotic, highlighting the ongoing political crisis. Mondlane, excluded from the dialogue, accused the FRELIMO party of electoral fraud and pledged continuous protests. Police brutality during the demonstration has raised concerns about the state’s response to dissent, fueling Mondlane’s push for a new political movement amidst significant challenges.

On March 5, 2025, the Mozambican government declared the day a “Day of Dialogue” as President Daniel Chapo signed an agreement with political parties to address post-election tensions. Unfortunately, the day devolved into chaos, marked by violent clashes during a protest led by former presidential candidate Venancio Mondlane, whose absence from the dialogue highlighted ongoing political strife in the country.

Mondlane called for a “peaceful walk” in Maputo’s impoverished neighborhoods, protesting his exclusion from official discussions. He maintains that he is the rightful winner of the presidential election held on October 9, 2024, alleging significant electoral fraud by the ruling FRELIMO party. He pledged to mobilize “daily protests over the next five years” if he remains sidelined in political dialogues.

During the protest, police responded with excessive force, deploying tear gas and live ammunition against demonstrators, resulting in multiple injuries, including among children and Mondlane’s companions. His spokesperson condemned the police’s actions as “barbaric,” highlighting the unnecessarily violent response to what was meant to be a peaceful demonstration.

FRELIMO has dominated Mozambique’s political landscape since independence in 1975, now led by Chapo, a figure perceived as a political novice with conciliatory intentions that critics argue have not translated into substantive action. Conversely, Mondlane has emerged as a vital opposition figure, possessing a charismatic appeal, particularly among impoverished citizens. His prior affiliation with RENAMO and subsequent formation of the “Coligacao Alianca Democratica” (CAD) reflects a persistent struggle against exclusion in the political arena.

In the recent elections, Mondlane campaigned as an independent with support from the opposition party, PODEMOS, which he later accused of being compromised by the ruling party. In response to discontent, he has initiated the establishment of the “National Alliance for an Autonomous and Free Mozambique” (ANAMALALA) despite encountering procedural hurdles and governmental obstacles in the process.

Political analysts speculate that Mondlane’s emerging party could pose a significant challenge to FRELIMO in future elections, indicating a potential shift in public sentiment away from traditional political entities. However, the realization of this potential will depend on developments leading up to the next general elections scheduled for 2029.

The events surrounding the ‘Day of Dialogue’ have highlighted the intense political divisions in Mozambique. As violence erupted during peaceful protests led by Venancio Mondlane, the discrepancies between the ruling FRELIMO party and the opposition became even more pronounced. Looking ahead, the formation of new political coalitions, as advocated by Mondlane, may signal a crucial turning point in Mozambique’s political landscape, with potential implications for future elections.

Original Source: www.dw.com