Mozambique’s opposition leader Venancio Mondlane announced Monday that he and President Daniel Chapo have agreed to “end all violence.”
This agreement follows months of deadly clashes between protesters and security forces after a disputed October general election.
Mondlane stated in a live video that he met with Chapo in Maputo on Sunday to address the escalating political turmoil.
“We will end all violence,” Mondlane declared, emphasizing the need to stop all forms of persecution from both sides.
This includes ceasing “police violence and civil violence” directed at police, opposition supporters, and ruling party members.
Mondlane stressed the importance of halting the destruction of public and private property to allow the nation to stabilize.
According to a local civil society group, over 360 individuals have tragically died in the violently repressed demonstrations and blockades.
Mondlane reported that President Chapo also agreed to provide “social and psychological assistance” to the families of victims.
Furthermore, they will work to create “legal conditions” for the release of detained protesters.
Official election results credited Chapo with 65 percent of the vote, securing his victory representing the Frelimo party, which has governed since 1975.
Mondlane was officially placed second with 24 percent.
However, Mondlane claims he won 53 percent of the vote and asserts the election was marred by fraud.
Despite his strong disagreement with the results, Mondlane stated, “today, we are here to say to the Mozambican people that we are starting this dialogue.”