The city of Maputo woke up today practically deserted, with small groups of people on their way to work, despite the almost total closure of activities, and with a strong police and military presence on the streets.
On the day called by presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane for a demonstration in Maputo against the electoral results, there is an almost total absence of vehicles circulating in the city center, early in the morning, and very timid movement in the suburbs.
A strong presence of police and military forces is also visible, including armored vehicles and members of the Rapid Intervention Unit (UIR) in the most sensitive areas of the city and in suburban neighborhoods, the scene of violent demonstrations in recent days.
Until 8am local time (6am in Lisbon) there is no known disturbance in the city and some workers, with their backpacks and lunch boxes, try to walk to the city center, given the lack of transport.
As was the case a week ago, today there are once again strong restrictions on access to the Internet, particularly social networks.
The announcement by the National Elections Commission (CNE) of Mozambique on October 24, in which it attributed victory to Daniel Chapo, supported by the Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (Frelimo, party in power since 1975) in the election for President of the Republic, with 70.67% of the votes, triggered popular protests, called by Venâncio Mondlane.
According to the CNE, Mondlane came in second place, with 20.32%, but he stated that he did not recognize the results, which still need to be validated and proclaimed by the Constitutional Council.
After street protests that paralyzed the country, Mondlane once again called on the population for a general seven-day strike, starting October 31, with national protests and a demonstration concentrated in Maputo called for today.
The Mozambique Bar Association warned that "all the conditions exist" for there to be "a bloodbath", calling for "genuine dialogue" so that this does not happen.
Today is the eighth day of strikes and demonstrations across the country, with the majority leading to police intervention, which disperses with gunshots and tear gas, while protesters cut off avenues, throw stones and set fire to public and private equipment.
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