Mozambique police fire on election protesters
By DW News |
"They killed three people. Three people. Three people," a protester alleged while speaking to a DW reporter.
Mozambique is facing intense political turmoil following the October 9 election. Opposition candidate Venancio Mondlane has been directly targeted during protests, where police have also used tear gas and gunfire on demonstrators and several journalists.
Two prominent members of the opposition have been killed, with no end to the conflict in sight.
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"They killed three people. Three people. Three people," a protester alleged while speaking to a DW reporter.
"But they are not looking for the people who killed them. They are looking for us, the people! Don't they see that we are dying in this country? We are asking for help! Help in Mozambique!" the protester lamented.
Tensions are high in this nation of 33 million people as the ruling Frelimo Party, in power for over 50 years, faces accusations from opposition parties and election observers of election fraud.
The situation worsened when the lawyer and an official of the opposition party Podemos were executed, fuelling further protests.
As Mondlane denies electoral results and plans to call for more protests, analysts warn:
"This situation will only foster confrontation and further radicalisation. Therefore, Venancio Mondlane is not beneficial for the opposition. In my view, he is undermining the opposition in Mozambique," Elisio Macamo, a Mozambican sociologist, told DW.
With Mozambique's political landscape shaped by a historic rivalry between the Renamo and Frelimo parties, the future of the country's democracy is uncertain.
Official election results are expected soon, but demands for justice and transparency are escalating. Projections indicate that Frelimo candidate Daniel Chapo will succeed President Filipe Nyusi, who was not allowed to run again after completing his two terms allowed by the constitution.
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