Mozambique opposition leader Mondlane demands preconditions for peace pact: Video
Mozambique’s opposition leader, Venancio Mondlane, has outlined strict preconditions for reaching an agreement with the government, insisting on guarantees to end violence and provide medical aid to those affected by the country’s ongoing unrest.
His demands come amid a backdrop of post-election violence that has claimed over 300 lives following a disputed October election, which Mondlane alleges he won.
Speaking in an interview with the AFP, Mondlane emphasised the need for immediate and unconditional action to halt the violence.
“If there are no guarantees that we will stop, immediately and unconditionally, the escalation of violence, murders, and silent genocide being committed against Mozambicans, I will not sign an agreement of this nature,” he declared.
The opposition leader also highlighted the plight of individuals detained in connection with anti-government demonstrations, calling for their release as a prerequisite for any agreement. “I absolutely will not accept a pact that does not respect this. I'm not going to sign any agreement that doesn't give guarantees that around 4,000 or 5,000 people who are in debt, who are being tortured in jails as part of the demonstrations, be released,” Mondlane said.
Additionally, Mondlane underscored the necessity of state-provided medical assistance for those injured during the unrest, including individuals left temporarily or permanently disabled due to violence. “I’m not going to sign any agreement without guarantees that around 1,000 or 2,000 people who are in a situation of temporary disability or permanent disability because of the bullets, because of the aggression they’ve suffered, if they don’t have free medical assistance from the state,” he asserted.
