This Monday (24), a group of demonstrators destroyed and set fire to the headquarters of Frelimo, Mozambique's ruling party, in the districts of Morrumbene and Maxixe in the southern province of Inhambane.

At the same time, the Forestry Police checkpoint was also attacked and reduced to ashes by the demonstrators, who justified their actions by their dissatisfaction with the high cost of living.

In Morrumbene, groups of young people blocked National Road Number 1 (N1) at the Joacane junction, which divides the two districts, using logs and burning tires. The aim of the demonstrators was to put pressure on the government to reduce the prices of basic necessities, in the hope of easing the cost of living.

Road traffic was interrupted for several hours, but was re-established with the intervention of the Rapid Intervention Unit (UIR), which used tear gas and live ammunition to disperse the demonstrators.

The biggest losers were the students, civil servants and passengers, who had to walk long distances to get to their places of work or education.

In addition, stores were reportedly vandalized and looted in both districts. Some people were hit by stray bullets, suffering injuries of varying severity. The victims are receiving medical assistance in local hospital units.

(Photo DR)