Mozambique’s presidential candidate Venancio Mondlane has agreed to participate in a national dialogue proposed by outgoing President Filipe Nyusi to address the ongoing post-election protests that have gripped the country. The discussions, initially intended to involve only the main election contenders, will now be open to other stakeholders, as Mondlane insists that the issue of fundamental rights transcends political parties.
Mondlane, leader of the opposition Podemos party, who is currently out of the country, has stated he will join the talks via video link. However, he has conditioned his participation on the immediate cancellation of all legal processes against him, including arrest orders and the freezing of his bank accounts.
The national dialogue follows weeks of protests that erupted after the electoral commission declared Daniel Chapo of the ruling Frelimo party the winner of the presidential election with nearly 71% of the vote. Mondlane’s Podemos party, which came second with 20% of the vote, has challenged the results, claiming electoral irregularities.
The protests have resulted in violent clashes with police, with more than 50 people reported dead as security forces attempted to quell the unrest. The protests have spread rapidly across the Southern African nation, intensifying calls for greater electoral transparency and respect for citizens’ rights.