By Thokozani Mazibuko
The escalations in civil unrest have left the nation reeling, with alarming reports emerging from Nampula where at least one person has been confirmed dead amidst violent protests.
Local sources reported that the Mozambican army utilized teargas against demonstrators in Maputo, raising fears for public safety as discontent with governmental practices intensifies.
According to sources who spoke to Eswatini Daily News (EDN), the unrest in Nampula has claimed two lives, with another two individuals sustaining injuries.
It was revealed that five young people were shot by the security forces at their home in Nemicopo, leading to the tragic death of one.
The devastation reflects the deepening crisis as citizens express their outrage over accusations of electoral fraud and political violence.
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On the first day of a nationwide protest campaign, demonstrators gathered on Avenida Eduardo Mondlane, only to be met with resistance from police who fired teargas to disperse the crowd.
The atmosphere in Maputo has turned eerily quiet, with businesses shuttered as people heed the calls for action from opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane.
In a recent post on social media, Mondlane expressed the struggle faced by citizens during a week-long shutdown that has plagued the country. “We are having a quiet weekend.
The situation returned to normal. Many people were trying to pick up the pieces,†he wrote, commenting on the slow internet connectivity that has hampered communication for many.
“We continue to wait for the Constitutional Council to present its conclusions. Discrepancies in the electoral results have been noted, and the future of our country is in their hands.â€
The protests come amid heightened tensions following allegations of electoral malpractice and unresolved political assassinations, leading Mondlane and his supporters to threaten to shutter border gates in a bid to draw attention to their plight.
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It should be noted that as families in Nampula seek answers amid cries for justice, the government has yet to formally address the escalating violence or confirm the casualty reports.
With public morale waning and the threat of more unrest looming, Mozambique stands at a critical crossroads, reflecting the struggles of a citizenry seeking to reclaim their voice amid growing authoritarianism.
It is worth mentioning that as the situation develops, citizens remain on edge, hoping for a resolution before further loss of life unfolds.
The coming days will undoubtedly prove pivotal as Mozambique deal with the twin challenges of political accountability and social unrest.
