Police Clashes with Protesters in Mozambique Result in Injuries Amid Unrest
Mozambican police clashed with protesters, injuring at least 14 individuals, including children, during a march led by opposition leader Venancio Mondlane. The event took place amid post-election unrest and accusations of electoral fraud. Eyewitnesses reported police using live ammunition and tear gas, contributing to a climate of fear. In response, Mozambique’s ruling party has initiated a political agreement with Podemos to promote stability in the country.
The Mozambican police clashed with protesters during a march led by opposition leader Venancio Mondlane in Maputo, resulting in at least 14 injuries, including two children. Civil society organization Plataforma Decide reported that police resorted to live ammunition and tear gas to disperse the crowd. Mondlane, who asserted he was wrongfully deprived of victory after finishing second in the October 2023 presidential election, was promoting his new political party at the time of the incident.
A live-streamed video vividly showcased the turmoil, capturing gunfire and the ensuing panic as demonstrators fled. Eyewitness testimonies characterized the police action as an ambush, with alarming reports indicating that a child later died from gunshot wounds at the hospital. This violence is in the context of ongoing unrest post-election, during which international observers have noted significant irregularities, leading to over 320 fatalities related to election violence since October.
In light of these events, Mozambique’s ruling Frelimo party announced a political agreement with the Podemos party, which had previously supported Mondlane. This agreement is viewed as an attempt to stabilize the nation in the wake of escalating tensions and violence.
Recent clashes between police and protesters in Mozambique underscore the ongoing tension following the disputed October 2023 presidential election. With injuries reported and claims of police brutality, the situation illustrates the fragility of the political climate. Amid these challenges, the ruling party seeks stability through a political agreement with a former ally, aiming to quell unrest and restore order.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
