By : Lloyd Mahachi
Mozambique’s opposition leader, Venâncio Mondlane, has called for protests to continue for several months. This comes after weeks of clashes between protesters and security forces, resulting in at least 67 deaths.
The protests began after the disputed presidential elections in October. Mondlane lost to Frelimo’s candidate Daniel Chapo, but he has refused to accept the election results. He claims that the election was rigged and that there were irregularities during the counting process.
The electoral commission has denied these allegations, but international election observers have expressed concerns about the election’s fairness. They pointed out that there were problems with the voting process and that the results were not transparent.
Mondlane is currently in hiding, but he is still rallying his supporters through social media. He has called for creative forms of protest, such as banging pots and pans indoors and blocking traffic with parked cars.
Despite the risks, protesters appear determined to continue their demonstrations. They are demanding that the government investigate the election results and that those responsible for any irregularities be held accountable.
The situation in Mozambique has become increasingly dire. Reports of police violence and human rights abuses have surfaced. The mortuaries in the capital city, Maputo, have become full, and gravediggers have reported a significant increase in burials.
Mondlane has condemned the police’s response to the protests, calling it a “deep violation of human rights”. He has also called on the international community to put pressure on the Mozambican government to respect human rights and to investigate the election results.
The international community has expressed concern about the situation in Mozambique. Amnesty International has called for an end to the violent crackdown on protests and for respect for human rights.
The organization has also urged the government to investigate allegations of police brutality and to hold those responsible accountable. The United Nations has also expressed concern about the situation and has called for calm and restraint.
Mondlane remains optimistic that the protests will bring about change. He believes that if the electoral process is reformed to make it more transparent, he will win the 2029 presidential election.
For now, he is urging his supporters to continue their protests, despite the risks. “Frelimo knows that if these protests carry on, there’s a huge risk that the country will become unfeasible,” he said.
The protests have already had an impact on the country. The economy is suffering, and many businesses have been forced to close. The government has also been forced to respond to the protests, and there are signs that they may be willing to negotiate with the opposition.
However, the situation remains volatile, and it is unclear how things will develop. One thing is certain, however: the protests in Mozambique are far from over.
Editor : Josephine Mahachi
