By Sheila Nhancale and Ricardo Dias
Maputo (MOZTIMES) – Venâncio Mondlane announced that he had reached consensus with President Daniel Chapo to end post-election violence in Mozambique during their meeting on Sunday.
The announcement was made by Mondlane during a live broadcast on his official Facebook page on Monday night, where he revealed the key points of the agreement, including the cessation of violence and the possibility of a pardon for those arrested during post-election protests.
During the broadcast, Mondlane emphasized that one of the key agreements with Chapo was the need to end post-election violence in the country. “We must stop the abductions, murders, and attacks against protesters, as well as against state agents and Frelimo party members. The Mozambique we want cannot be built on spilled blood,” Mondlane stated, adding that Chapo had committed to taking measures to ensure that the Defense and Security Forces (FDS) halt their repressive actions.
Mondlane also highlighted that an agreement was made to grant a pardon to those detained during the protests, arguing that many were arrested for exercising their right to peacefully protest. “Many young people were taken from their homes, tortured, and thrown into overcrowded prisons. They cannot be forgotten. The pardon is essential for the country to move forward,” Mondlane said.
Mondlane revealed that it was agreed that victims of post-election violence would have access to free medical treatment and medication, regardless of whether they were injured by the FDS or by protesters. The victims would also receive social and psychological assistance, as well as support for the families of those who lost loved ones due to the clashes.
To ensure the implementation of the agreed-upon measures, Mondlane announced that a joint commission had been created to monitor the fulfillment of the measures. “A team has been created on both sides to ensure that the agreed-upon measures are implemented,” Mondlane said.
Although he continues to claim victory in the October 2024 elections and does not recognize Daniel Chapo’s election, Mondlane described the meeting as a significant step toward the pacification of the country.
The dialogue took place in the context of at least 361 people dying during post-election protests, most of them shot during clashes with police forces, according to data from the Decide platform, a non-governmental organization that monitors post-election violence in Mozambique. (SN/RD)
