On
5 March 2025, police forces in Mozambique fired upon a peaceful opposition
parade in the capital, Maputo, injuring at least 16 people, including two
children, Human Rights Watch reported. The parade, attended by hundreds of
demonstrators who sang, cheered, and danced, was led by former presidential
candidate Venancio Mondlane before it was violently dispersed by security
forces.
The
procession, consisting of a convoy of approximately six vehicles, had
progressed without incident for nearly three kilometres despite a significant
police presence across the city. Authorities had been deployed ahead of a
political agreement signing ceremony that day, an event involving President
Daniel Chapo and various political parties. However, Mondlane had been excluded
from the agreement, which was intended to initiate a two-year dialogue aimed at
resolving the country’s post-electoral crisis.
Since
October 2024, Mozambique has witnessed an unprecedented wave of demonstrations,
with citizens protesting the 2024 election results, the rising cost of living,
and other social issues. Security forces responding to the unrest have been
accused of serious human rights violations, including the unlawful killing of
over 300 people.