Authorities in Mozambique have launched a crackdown on protesters following a series of political killings, escalating tensions and raising concerns over the government’s response to dissent.
While opposition leader and presidential candidate Venancio Mondlane was addressing the press, police deployed tear gas at his campaign headquarters, prompting him to evacuate.
Mondlane has called for a general strike, citing allegations of fraud in the elections where the ruling party declared victory. “The police cannot prevent actions that depend on individual choices and the collective will of the people, which may result in halted activities. We encourage everyone—public sector employees, civil servants, law enforcement officers, military personnel, and those working privately—to join this general strike. A more significant second phase than initially experienced will be announced shortly,” he stated.
This protest, despite being banned by law enforcement, occurred two days following the assassination of two associates connected to the opposition leader.
Tensions are escalating as the final results of the general elections are due to be announced on October 24th.
Opponents are already challenging the preliminary results that announce Daniel Chapo, the candidate from the ruling Frelimo party, as the victor.
This Monday morning, protesters on the streets chanted slogans such as “Save Mozambique” and “This country is ours.”
This demonstration occurs only two days following the assassination of Elvino Dias, Venancio Mondlane’s lawyer, and Paulo Guamba, a member of the Podemos party—both associates of Mondlane.
After Dias’s death, who was in the process of preparing a legal challenge against alleged electoral fraud, Mondlane is firmly convinced that the Mozambican defense and security forces are behind the double murder.
He declared, “We possess evidence. The blood of two young men stains the ground! We will all march in the streets and protest with our signs.”
This assassination has prompted observers to worry about a possible increase in violence within the country.
Earlier on Monday, the European Union voiced its concerns regarding the “violent dispersal” of the protest.
The previous day, author Mia Couto stressed that resolving the crisis would not be possible “through riots or police repression.”
Mozambique has witnessed multiple assassinations during election periods, including the murder of an observer in 2019 and a journalist in 2023. However, this marks the first instance where party representatives have been targeted.
