Mozambique Elections: Protesters block avenues in central Maputo – Watch

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Mozambique Elections: Protesters block avenues in central Maputo – Watch

11:37 CAT | 27 Nov 2024

Photo: Luisa Nhantumbo/Lusa

Some streets in Maputo have been blocked since early this morning by pro-Venâncio Mondlane protesters, who have occupied the streets, blocking traffic and scattering rubbish bins and stones across roads in protest against the electoral process.

On the 24 de Julho and Guerra Popular avenues, central arteries of the Mozambican capital, traffic has been at a standstill since 8:00 a.m., with protesters dragging large garbage containers into the middle of the roads, while others have placed tyres, sticks and stones to block motorists.

At around 8:30 a.m. local time, the police fired tear gas on Avenida 24 de Julho, but the protesters did not disperse. With the help of armoured vehicles on site, the authorities tried to unblock roads, while protesters played football in the roadway or danced and sang. Others, sporting “we are not vandals” signs stuck to their clothes, engaged in rope skipping to the sound of vuvuzelas and whistles.

A similar scenario was to be seen on Avenida 25 de Setembro in the city centre, with protesters who support presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane setting up roadblocks, using wheelbarrows and vendor stands, blocking traffic and repeating their protests against the electoral process around the October 9 general elections.

🚨 A cidade e província de #Maputo estão com estradas bloqueadas. Viaturas paralisadas, algumas por iniciativas dos motoristas e outras forçadas pelos manifestantes. Barricadas montadas em muitas partes. Parece haver ensaio para intervenção policial. #Moçambique pic.twitter.com/R5eh8vvyd9

— Alexandre Nhampossa (@AllexandreMZ) November 27, 2024

8h14 e congestionamento na cidade de #Maputo. Algumas vias importantes para o acesso ao centro da cidade foram bloqueadas, como a que passa da presidência da república. Chapas já pararam de circular em alguns pontos, como #Xiquelene. Na baixa carros estão a ser forçados a parar. pic.twitter.com/JeQJxFKKR2

— Alexandre Nhampossa (@AllexandreMZ) November 27, 2024

Presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane has called on the Mozambican population to leave their cars on the streets with signs protesting the election for three days, starting today, at 8:00 a.m., until they return from work.

“From 8:00 a.m., on the open road, not on the sidewalks. We’re going to use our roads as parking lots, with cars full of signs. We’re going to lock up our cars and walk to work,” Venâncio Mondlane said.

“Leave your car in the middle of the road with your signs. Leave your car and go to work,” he insisted, regarding this new phase of protesting the electoral process.

At least 67 people were killed and another 210 have been shot in a month of protests, since October 21, to protest the results of the general elections in Mozambique, according to an update released on Saturday by the Mozambican non-governmental organization Plataforma Eleitoral Decide.

Presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane has called for demonstrations, which have degenerated into clashes with the police – who have resorted to firing tear gas and gunfire to disperse the protests – as a way of contesting the awarding of victory by the National Elections Commission (CNE) to Frelimo candidate Daniel Chapo with 70.67% of the vote, a result yet to be validated and proclaimed by the Constitutional Council.

Source: Lusa