from ARMANDO DOMINGOS in Maputo, Mozambique
Mozambique Bureau
MAPUTO, (CAJ News) – A PARALLEL celebration of Heroes Day in Mozambique has, inevitably, ended in tragedy.
At least one individual has been gunned down by police as they quell renewed protests by opponents of the ruling Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (FRELIMO) of incumbent President Daniel Chapo.
The number of fatalities is likely higher.
The relatively young politician, Chapo (47) but towering and imposing physically, faces a legitimacy crisis amid claims by the opposition that the October 2024 elections were rigged.
Last month, he presided over Mozambique’s Heroes Day, celebrated annually on February 3.
However, things have been different this year as the opposition led by Venâncio Mondlane held a parallel Heroes Day commemoration on Tuesday, 18 March.
The opposition argues the traditional Heroes Day only honours activists of the liberation struggle that ousted Portugal as a coloniser in 1975.
So, the commemorations held on Sunday were to coincide with the 2023 murder, allegedly by police, of musician Edson Amândio Maria Lopes da Luz, stage name Azagaia.
His death led to widespread marches throughout the country in his honour as well as in support of his political ideas and on Tuesday, the streets of the capital Maputo were again volatile.
Police opened live fire on those commemorating the parallel Heroes Day.
At least one fatality has been reported, at the Revolution Square in Polana Caniço, Maputo.
Prof. Adriano Nuvunga, director of the Centre for Democracy and Human Rights, said the government crackdown on Tuesday, with attacks on journalists and human rights defenders, showed that the struggle for fundamental freedoms in Mozambique continued.
“The use of live ammunition against unarmed civilians is a clear violation of human rights and international law. We stand in solidarity with those fighting for justice, freedom of expression, and the right to peaceful assembly,” Nuvunga said.
In the capital Maputo, most businesses and schools were closed.
More than 300 people have been killed since the post-election violence in 2024.
“Police, once again, did what they do best,” said activist, Cidia Chissungo
“They killed someone in Matola becoming sadly, victim 361,” she added.
– CAJ News