Published on 28/11/2024
Second day of the latest stage in the demonstrations called by presidential candidate Venancio Mondlane, many of the main roads in Maputo and the neighbouring city of Matola were again at a standstill.
Although Mondlane, in his latest live broadcast on his Facebook page, had claimed that anyone who wanted to go to work could do so, in reality for many people this was quite impossible. Most of the buses and minibuses that the city depends on for public transport were not running, since the owners feared they would come under attack from Mondlane’s demonstrators.
Many businesses and banks in central Maputo were open – but people intending to use them had to arrive before 08.00, the time set by Mondlane for the start of the demonstrations.
Mondlane claims that the demonstrations are “peaceful” – but that has not prevented his supporters from throwing up barricades and occasionally burning tyres.
The demonstrators did allow ambulances to drive along the main roads, but most other vehicles were turned away. They also closed the toll gate on the Maputo-Matola Road and the main border post at Ressano Garcia, between Mozambique and South Africa. Traffic is expected to start flowing again at 16.00.
On the main roads, demonstrators held parties, danced and played football, all under the tolerant gaze of the police. No attempt was made to disperse the demonstrators or force the re-opening of the roads.
One piece of good news was that the woman knocked over and run over on Wednesday by a military vehicle is now out of danger. She is conscious and has been receiving visits from relatives.
Doctors at Maputo Central Hospital told reporters that she had suffered head injuries, but these are not life-threatening. Indeed they hoped to discharge her from the hospital within a week.
This shocking incident has jolted the Attorney-General’s Office (PGR) into action. It has promised criminal action against the driver of the armoured car that struck the demonstrator.
In his latest broadcast, Mondlane threatened to cancel the Christmas and New Year holidays. He said demonstrations against the allegedly fraudulent election results should continue, regardless of the festive season.
