Mozambique Police Fire Live Rounds at Opposition Rally, Injuring Protesters

Police violence erupts at a peaceful march in Maputo as opposition leader Venancio Mondlane challenges the legitimacy of President Chapo's rule.

At least 14 to 16 people, including children, were injured when Mozambican police fired live ammunition to disperse a rally supporting opposition leader Venancio Mondlane in Maputo.
The protest occurred hours before President Daniel Chapo signed a post-election agreement with other political parties, a deal Mondlane was excluded from despite his claims of election fraud in the October 2024 vote.
International observers, including the EU, criticized the election as not free and fair, with local and international groups reporting over 300 deaths in post-election violence since October.
Mondlane, who recently launched a new political party called Anamalala, continues to lead anti-government demonstrations, alleging that the ruling Frelimo party rigged the election.
Human Rights Watch and civil society groups have condemned the police's use of live ammunition on peaceful protesters, warning that such actions undermine efforts to stabilize the country.