Mozambique: Protesters injured in clash with police

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Mozambique: Protesters injured in clash with police

3:51 CAT | 19 Aug 2022

Photo: DW

Three people were injured in a clash with Gondola police during a protest involving hundreds of vendors demanding better working conditions in this municipal town.

Informal traders set up barricades on National Road 6 (EN6) to protest against their removal from the 25 de Setembro Market in Gondola. The sellers say that the new location assigned to them by the town hall does not have the necessary conditions to carry out their activity.

The police quelled the demonstration using live bullets. Three people were injured, one seriously, and 21 protesters were arrested.

“We are arriving here and they scared us with shots,” said Nogueira Paulino, one of the vendors who took to the streets to protest. “We don’t have other jobs. Without selling, what do we eat?”

Dagondola.dw_ — *Police dispersed the protest with live bullets*

Lack of dialogue

Mercado 25 de Setembro is located beside the EN6, one of the most important corridors in Mozambique, which connects with hinterland countries such as Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia and Botswana.

Vendors are demanding the local municipality provide better conditions for plying their trade. They ask for improved stalls more appropriate to their respective business, changing rooms, and the paving of walkways.

Manuel Pinto, another of the protesters, says that Gondola mayor Arlindo Ngozo had failed to explain to vendors why the vendors were being moved to the new location. “They didn’t warn us that we had to leave, and our products are in the warehouse,” he complains.

Municipality recognizes flaws

Mayor Arlindo Ngozo acknowledges that there were flaws in the process. “Actually, we had already promised the construction and requalification of the new market, but there was a delay on our part because the contracted company did not meet the deadlines,” he explained.

Gondolaprotests.dw_ — *Municipality of Gondola promises to build one of the best markets in the region*

“The population is rightly outraged. But we will have one of the best markets in the centre of the country here in Gondola in the near future,” the mayor said.

Manica police spokesman Mário Arnaça said that the corporation was forced to use live ammunition to disperse the protesters because they were blocking traffic on the EN6.

“The police can legitimately use any means, such as firearms, handcuffs and all material legitimised by law,” Arnaça stressed. “The police found it appropriate to act in that way in order to do a persuasive job and avoid the worst, and public order, security and tranquillity were restored.”

Source: Deutsche Welle