Maputo—Police opened fire on protesters in Mozambique on Wednesday, killing an undisclosed number of demonstrators in a rally led by opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane. 

The protest, which turned violent, comes amid ongoing political unrest following the disputed October 9, 2024, elections.

Mondlane’s team claimed two children and students were among the dead, while 16 others, including opposition members, were injured. 

Witness videos show protesters marching peacefully before chaos erupted as security forces fired shots and deployed teargas. 

Police, reportedly armed and in armoured vehicles, forcefully dispersed the demonstrators. 

Mondlane’s whereabouts remain unknown following the crackdown.

The protests coincided with a national dialogue agreement signed by ruling party FRELIMO and eight opposition groups.

However, Mondlane distanced himself from the pact, rejecting its legitimacy. 

His post-election movement has been the epicenter of violent confrontations between police and demonstrators.

Since the October elections, Mozambique has witnessed widespread protests challenging results that saw Daniel Chapo of FRELIMO claim victory with 65.17% of the vote, while Mondlane, who declared himself the rightful winner, secured 24.19%. 

Between October 2024 and January 2025, violent police suppression left 353 people dead, according to the local NGO Decide Electoral Platform.

In January, opposition groups agreed to suspend protests under conditions including an end to police violence and economic relief measures. 

However, sporadic demonstrations have continued. 

Mozambique remains on edge as opposition supporters contest FRELIMO’s decades-long rule since independence in 1975, accusing the government of election fraud and human rights abuses.

Sources-EFE