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At least a dozen people were injured after Mozambican police violently dispersed a protest led by opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane, the runner-up in last year’s disputed presidential election, Mondlane’s team and a civil society group said.
Eyewitnesses and Mondlane’s aides alleged that police fired live rounds at the opposition leader’s convoy and the anti-government protesters who had gathered in Maputo on Wednesday. Authorities have yet to comment on the incident.
Violent Crackdown Amid Political Tensions
The protest occurred as President Daniel Chapo, who took office in January, prepared to sign an agreement with other political parties aimed at ending months of unrest over the contested election. Mondlane, a key opposition figure, was excluded from the negotiations, fueling further anger among his supporters.
According to a statement from Mondlane’s office, his convoy was attacked as he led a demonstration through the capital:
“A contingent of the UIR [a rapid intervention police unit] rammed into Venâncio Mondlane’s convoy and began a barrage of gunfire, using live ammunition and tear gas.”
Casualties and Growing Concerns
Local civil society group Plataforma Decide reported 16 people injured, though independent verification of the numbers is still pending. Mondlane’s team claimed that two children from a nearby school were killed and that others suffered serious injuries from tear gas exposure.
In a statement, Mondlane’s team also raised concerns about his safety, saying his whereabouts remain unknown after the attack.
Videos circulating on social media show gunfire erupting as the protest approached an armored police vehicle. Protesters can be seen fleeing in panic, while images of bloodied victims have also emerged online.
A witness, Silvestre Alexandre, described the chaos to AFP:
“The police started shooting as if it was an ambush. It was just a march. I saw some people bleeding. My friend was wounded in the leg. I also saw a child who was shot and later died in hospital.”
International Condemnation
Mozambique’s former colonial power, Portugal, condemned the “unacceptable attack on Venâncio Mondlane’s convoy” and urged restraint and respect for fundamental rights. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Portuguese foreign affairs ministry expressed condolences to the families of the victims.
Mondlane Rejects Political Deal, Vows More Protests
Since taking office, President Chapo has promised inclusive political dialogue to resolve the country’s post-election crisis. However, some analysts have criticized him for excluding Mondlane from the talks, calling it a flawed process.
On Wednesday, Mondlane dismissed the political deal, branding it “an agreement of people without the people.” He vowed to continue leading protests, warning:
“If they don’t do what the people want, they won’t govern Mozambique.”
Since October 2023, nearly 400 people have died in violence linked to election protests, according to civil society organizations.
Escalating Unrest
With police brutality, rising casualties, and opposition leaders being sidelined, tensions in Mozambique show no signs of easing. As protests continue, the government faces mounting pressure—both locally and internationally—to address concerns over democratic legitimacy and human rights.
