The demonstrations and the paralysis of socio-economic activities announced for yesterday and today have led to the cancellation of several artistic and cultural events in various parts of Maputo city.

Due to the instability, the Fernando Leite Couto Foundation (FFLC) has canceled the premiere of the dance piece "Palma(s)", by Virgílio Sitole, which was due to take place yesterday, and the launch of the albums "Trânsitos Sonoros", by Lenna Bahule, and "Halo", by TRKZ, scheduled for today.

"The situation the country is going through does not allow us to continue programming. The dance show will take place on a date to be announced and the launch is expected to take place in November," explains a note from the FFLC, quoted by Notícias

The Mozambican-German Cultural Center (CCMA) has canceled the reading contest that was due to take place today, as well as the Oktoberfest festival, scheduled for tomorrow, to close the week of German language and culture.

"Depending on the pace of events, they are expected to take place on November 1st and 2nd," said another CCMA statement.

Part of the program of the 10th edition of the Maputo Book Fair, which kicked off yesterday, was also compromised, namely the inaugural lecture, exhibition and sale of books, children's and youth activities and the presentation of prizes to the winners of the reading competitions.

"As an alternative, some activities will take place in virtual format, continuing to focus on the strong presence of national and foreign writers and other literary professionals, with a total of 30 guests," says a statement from the Maputo municipality.

The threat of demonstrations also led to the postponement of the launch of the book "A Portrait of Children and Minors Deprived of Liberty", by Tina Lorizzo and Lourenço Sigaúque, scheduled for yesterday.

Monday's riots led to the interruption of Dance Week, which was due to run until Sunday. Kinani, one of the organizers, stated on social media that the conditions were not in place to continue the performing arts festival in the country's capital.

The demonstrations, initially called to protest against the results of the October 9 elections, were linked to the murders of lawyer Elvino Dias, legal advisor to presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane, and filmmaker Paulo Guambe, head of the PODEMOS party.

(News)