Mozambique: Protesters and police clash in Maputo city – O País

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Mozambique: Protesters and police clash in Maputo city – O País

1:27 CAT | 07 Nov 2024

Photo: Luisa Nhantumbo/Lusa

Several protesters from the Maxaquene and Polana Caniço neighbourhoods in Maputo city took to the streets on Thursday morning (07-10). According to what they told television channel STV, the aim was to express their indignation at what they call the “situation the country is experiencing”.

The goal of the protesters from the two suburbs was to march to Avenida Joaquim Chissano and Avenida 25 de Setembro.

When interviewed, some protesters said that the march began peacefully at Praça dos Combatentes, also known as Xiquelene, with the authorities accompanying them. However, when they approached Praça da OMM, near where lawyer Elvino Dias and Podemos national election agent Paulo Guambe were murdered, the Rapid Intervention Unit blocked their path.

The protesters tried in vain to negotiate their passage. As a result, the atmosphere became tense and animosity between the parties flared. The police fired tear gas to disperse the crowd, while protesters responded by throwing stones.

The protesters did indeed disperse when the police fired the tear gas, but did not give up altogether. On the contrary, they extinguished gas canisters with water, which they also used to wash their faces.

Among the protesters were minors. Those who agreed to speak to the STV cameras said that the police were to blame because for creating unrest.

In their understanding, the protesters are simply exercising their rights. “We are not asking anyone for anything. We are not going to steal anything from anyone. As a population, we know that we voted and that we won. We just want to march – we do not want to hurt anyone,” said one of the protesters.

“We are just tired of our government,” another said. “Each of us left our homes to show that we are tired of the situation in our country. Those of us who are here are the leaders [of this demonstration]. Those from the UIR [Rapid Intervention Unit] don’t like peace. We just wanted to get to 25 de Setembro. Then we would go home.”

“It’s a peaceful march. But we don’t like what we’re seeing anymore,” said another.

In the city of Matola, about a 15-minute drive from Maxaquene, the confrontation between protesters and the police took place on National Highway Number 4 (N4), which connects the Port of Maputo to South Africa. The police were also seen firing tear gas, in this case at some homes.

The situation upset elderly residents who were not demonstrating.

“I’m asking for help,” said Odete, a resident of the Luís Cabral neighbourhood, between Maputo and Matola. “I have these things [tear gas capsules] in my yard. They fired four into my yard. Not long ago, they also fired them at an old woman’s house. Where should I go? I’m already afraid in my own house.”

The population has set up barricades on National Highway Number 4 and has responded to police action by throwing stones, hitting vehicles trying to reach the country’s capital or other points in Matola via the Maputo toll gate.