By Ricardo Dias
Maputo (MOZTIMES) – The Optimistic Party for the Development of Mozambique (PODEMOS) has called for the resignation of President Filipe Nyusi, commander-in-chief of the Mozambican Defence and Security Forces, following the running over of a demonstrator in Maputo, by a vehicle belonging to the Mozambican Armed Forces (FADM).
PODEMOS is also demanding the removal of the Attorney-General, Beatriz Buchili, and of the General Commander of the Police, Bernardino Rafael, as a first step towards the restoration of constitutional order, according to a statement issued by the party on Thursday.
The party, which supports presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane, also said it is taking action at the International Criminal Court against these and other figures.
On Wednesday, the FADM issued a release accepting responsibility for the incident. It promised a rigorous investigation into the running down of a demonstrator who was protesting for electoral justice.
“The incident will be strictly investigated so that this type of situation does not happen again”, said the FADM General Staff.
Various countries such as the USA, Canada, Norway, the United Kingdom, Switzerland and the European Union have strongly condemned the escalation of violence associated with the post-election demonstrations.
The running down of the demonstrator occurred during what Venancio Mondlane calls “the fourth stage of the fourth phase” of the demonstrations he has called against the preliminary results of the 9 October general elections, which granted victory to the ruling Frelimo Party and its presidential candidate Daniel Chapo. Mondlane regards the 71 per cent victory given to Chapo as massively fraudulent. (RD).
