The police today dispersed hundreds of people using tear gas who were trying to leave the Maxaquene neighborhood, on the outskirts of Maputo, towards the center of the Mozambican capital to demonstrate.
The first police charge, at around 9:20 am local time (7:20 am in Lisbon) led to the dispersion of the protesters, but shortly afterwards they came together again and responded to the tear gas by throwing stones and bottles in the direction of the police.
In these clashes, at least one person was injured.
On the main streets of Maputo and in the suburban neighborhoods there is a strong police and military presence, with armored vehicles and elements of the Rapid Intervention Unit (UIR), and the protesters began to move from the suburbs towards the Mozambican capital, which this morning it was practically deserted and with almost all activities and establishments closed.
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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