Mozambique Police Clash with Protesters: At Least 14 Injured

Mozambican police clashed with protesters during a march led by opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, injuring at least 14 individuals and leading to further violence in the context of post-election unrest. Mondlane, claiming electoral fraud, faced police who used live ammunition. The Frelimo party announced a political agreement with Podemos to stabilize the situation.

In Mozambique, police clashed with protesters during a march led by opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, resulting in at least 14 injuries, including two children. Civil society group Plataforma Decide reported that police utilized live ammunition and tear gas to disperse the demonstration in Maputo. Mondlane, who claimed electoral fraud after finishing second in the October 2023 presidential elections, was promoting his new political party when the violence erupted.

The unrest was exacerbated by the release of live footage showing the chaos as gunfire rang out, leading to widespread panic among the protesters. Eyewitness accounts described the police response as an ambush, with reports indicating that a child later succumbed to gunshot wounds at a medical facility. This event is part of a broader trend of post-election violence, which has resulted in over 320 fatalities since October due to election-related incidents.

In reaction to the unrest, Mozambique’s ruling Frelimo party has announced a political agreement with Podemos, a party that previously supported Mondlane, in an effort to restore stability in the nation.

The violent confrontation between Mozambican police and protesters highlights the ongoing tensions following the controversial October 2023 presidential election. With reports of injuries and a history of election-related violence, these events raise concerns about public safety and political stability. The recent agreement between the Frelimo party and Podemos may be a step towards reconciliation amid the unrest.

Original Source: newscentral.africa