Fresh Turmoil Hits Mozambique Ahead of Deal

Mozambican police clashed with supporters of opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane in the capital of Maputo this week, the latest demonstrations in the southern African country following disputed elections in October, Reuters reported.

On Wednesday, authorities used live ammunition and tear gas to disperse Mondlane and hundreds of his supporters as they marched in the capital.

Civil society groups said at least 14 people, including two children, were injured during the unrest, Agence France-Presse noted.

Wednesday’s march took place hours before President Daniel Chapo and other political parties were set to sign an agreement aimed at ending months of protests over last year’s contested election that saw Chapo and his long-ruling Frelimo party win again.

Mondlane – who came second in the presidential polls – has accused Frelimo of vote rigging, while other opposition parties and Western observers have complained that the election was not free and fair.

According to civil society groups, more than 350 people have died in the protests.

Frelimo has rejected accusations of electoral fraud. Even so, Mondlane claimed that he was not included in talks ahead of the post-election deal, which included a review of the country’s electoral laws.

He told his supporters that he would continue the protests, saying the agreement between the government and other parties was done “without the people.”