Mozambique Elections: Renamo threatens secession of Matola - AIM report
Renamo campaigning. File photo: DW
Renamo is contesting the results of the municipal elections in Zambézia, and says more than 20 civilians and supporters have been detained in Alto Molocué since Monday and are being tortured by police, who deny the allegations.
By the end of Monday afternoon (15-10), 20 people, both members of the Mozambican National Resistance (Renamo) and ordinary civilians, were still being detained in Alto Molocué, allegedly for supporting Renamo and demonstrating against the results of the October 10 municipal elections.
ALSO READ: Calm returns to Alto Molocué after election – AIM report
José Palaço, Renamo’s head of list in the northern Zambezia village, describes a climate of terror in the municipality since Wednesday’s elections. “At this time in Alto Molocué there is a witch hunt for all those who participated in the Renamo campaign or were sympathisers – they are being detained,” he says.
“The imprisonment continues, and not only of Renamo members, but of anybody who did not participate in the Frelimo campaign,” Palaço alleges.
Renamo’s head of list also alleges torture. “Everyone who participated in the Renamo campaign is being notified. Yesterday they were torturing people, handcuffing them saying they were members of the opposition.”
Police deny torture
Alto Molocue police commander António Mandjendje denies the allegations. “People are free to say whatever they want. I do not have this information. Since the turmoil and vandalism of election day, which only lasted two hours, there is nothing – the situation is calm,” he says.
In addition to the detainees reported by Renamo, several other party members and supporters have been notified by the police. Renamo sympathiser Josina Esperança is one such. “I work in the Ile district, and they called me from Molocué headquarters village to tell me that I was notified by the police, but I don’t know why,” she says.
Renamo is contesting Wednesday’s election results, which gave victory to the ruling Liberation Front of Mozambique. According to Palaço, Renamo has already submitted an appeal to the Alto Molocué district court and is awaiting a response – due, by law, within 48 hours.
Leave a Reply
Be the First to Comment!
You must be logged in to post a comment.
You must be logged in to post a comment.