Mozambique: Nampula campaign rally ends in tragedy

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Mozambique: Nampula campaign rally ends in tragedy

2:45 CAT | 12 Sep 2019

Picture: DW

A rally in Frelimo presidential candidate Filipe Nyusis campaign ended in tragedy in Nampula on Wednesday night when at least ten people died and more than 80 were injured in a stampede.

The rally, in 25 de Junho Stadium in Nampula city, began in a festive atmosphere. According to stadium guard Monteiro Luís, the trouble started when some attendees tried to leave just as others were trying to enter through the single access point available.

At least 10 Frelimo supporters died, according to the first secretary of the Nampula Comrades Provincial Committee, Agostinho Trinta.

Agostinho Trinta (DW/S. Lutxeque) — *Agostinho Trinta*

‘‘Ninety-five Frelimo members and supporters were affected in the incident. Of these, 85 were injured, 74 were discharged, and eleven are still being taken care of. Unfortunately, ten party activists – six women and four men – lost their lives.

Trinta did not advance any proximate cause, rather waiting for the police authorities to investigate and comment. The party did however sat that a committee had been set up to provide support to the victims.

Frelimo offers condolences to the families of the victims

‘‘At this time of pain, Frelimo sympathises, mourns the loss of life, and offers its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of its members and supporters. A committee has been set up to console the families of those injured and to provide all the support and solidarity possible. Frelimo is awaiting from law enforcement authorities clarification of the real cause of this incident,” Trinta said.

Neither the police nor the management of Nampula Central Hospital have commented on the tragedy.

This is the deadliest incident since the election campaign in Mozambique began on 31 August this year.

Prior to the party’s announcement, the atmosphere was tense among Frelimo members and supporters at Nampula Central Hospital, where they prevented journalists taking photographs and filming. Journalists were attacked, and the equipment of a TV Sucesso reporter destroyed.

This headline summarizes what happened on Wednesday. Sending people online to harass us for sharing this info, won’t change facts: people died and journalists were attacked.
“President Nyusi’s election rally ended in tragedy and threats to journalists”https://t.co/WDAyZ0dM7s

— Zenaida Machado (@zenaidamz) September 12, 2019