Foreign citizens in Maputo, Matola advised to remain vigilant, avoid large crowds

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Foreign citizens in Maputo, Matola advised to remain vigilant, avoid large crowds

9:06 CAT | 29 Apr 2016

Facebook / An armoured vehicle in one of Maputo´s avenues yesterday

Foreign embassies in Maputo are following the events regarding the possibility of protests closely, recommending that their compatriots, particularly those staying in Maputo and Matola, remain attentive, avoid large crowds and keep track of local media and news disseminated through the social networks.

“There are reports of possible protests against the government in Maputo in late April/early May. There’s an increased police presence around Maputo and neighbouring Matola,” reads the advice for travellers to Mozambique, in the UK government official website . “You should remain vigilant, monitor local media reports, avoid large crowds and carry ID with you at all times. Make sure you have a means of communication with you at all times and that your mobile phone is charged,” adds the same source.

A statement from the Swiss embassy in Maputo sent yesterday also confirms that “”during the last weeks social media called for participation in demonstration and manifestation regarding the political and economic situation of the country in Mozambique, especially in Maputo,” adding that “the senders [of these calls]are unknown”

This communique also reports that as action days Friday, April 29 and Saturday, 3o April were mentioned in particular. However, notes the same source, “there are further messages circulating to participate in a strike in the week of May 7th. Civil Society Organizations have distant themselves from such calls for action”.

“Authorities and police take the situation seriously. They call to respect the rights of citizens and ask to stay calm and not to participate in the demonstrations. So far no demonstration was authorized. The police presence in town is massively increased. Police declared to be prepared to intervene in non-authorized demonstrations,” the communication states.

Finally, the embassy’s advice on practical matters: “For the forthcoming days, we recommend to be attentive and avoid large crowds. Keep track of the media coverage and news disseminated through the social networks. The embassy is in close contact with other embassies and local authorities and monitors the situation closely. For next week, we would send additional messages depending on the situation”.

Source: Club of Mozambique