The Police of the Republic of Mozambique (PRM) today dispersed hundreds of demonstrators who were singing the national anthem on their knees near the statue of Eduardo Mondlane, in the Alto Maé neighborhood, along Avenida Eduardo Mondlane, with tear gas shells.

The situation caused the pro-Venâncio Mondlane demonstrators, who are contesting the election results, to flee momentarily.

On what was the third and final day of the new phase of protests, the population in Maputo city responded positively to Venâncio Mondlane's request on his Facebook page the day before. At midday, cars stopped and honked their horns and people held up placards with their protest messages.

Cars and people were scheduled to come to a standstill for 25 minutes at 1pm to sing the anthem and pay homage to lawyer Elvino Dias and PODEMOS leader Paulo Guambe, who were murdered on October 19 with 25 bullets. However, the police dispersed the demonstrators with tear gas.

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday were days of "national mourning" suggested by the PODEMOS presidential candidate to remember the 50 people who were shot dead by the authorities who were supposed to protect them during the demonstrations.

Venâncio Mondlane says that the protests will continue until the electoral truth is restored and calls for victory in the general elections of October 9, rejecting the results announced by the National Electoral Commission (CNE), which give a large victory to the Frelimo candidate, Daniel Chapo, with 70.67% of the votes.

(Photo DR)