Nyusi justifies police action during protests and calls for calm
President Filipe Nyusi addressed the nation today regarding the recent protests in Mozambique, defending the actions taken by the Police of the Republic of Mozambique (PRM) to restore public order. In his speech, Nyusi explained that the demonstrations, organized by presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane, escalated into violence and blockades that posed a threat to public safety, prompting the intervention of security forces.
Nyusi noted that the protests, which took place on Monday, October 21, were marked by roadblocks, the burning of tires, stone-throwing, and vandalism, including on major public roads such as the National Highway No. 1. According to the President, these actions made police intervention inevitable. “The PRM was forced to use crowd control measures. I am not questioning how they were used, but action was necessary to restore order,” he stated.
The President acknowledged that Mozambicans have the right to protest and freedom of expression, as guaranteed by the Constitution, but he emphasized that these rights must be exercised in accordance with the country’s laws and regulations. "Mozambique is a Democratic Rule of Law, and we must all respect the established rules for exercising our rights," Nyusi stressed, expressing regret that this principle had been violated during the protests.
During the clashes, several citizens and police officers were injured and taken to health facilities for treatment. Nyusi also expressed deep regret that journalists, who were on the scene to fulfill their duty to inform, were caught in the crowd control measures. “We deeply regret this incident,” Nyusi said.
The President also called for accountability among presidential candidates, urging political leaders to set an example for the population. “Leaders must lead by example. We cannot incite the public to disrespect the law,” Nyusi remarked, in a veiled criticism of Venâncio Mondlane, who had called for the protests.
Nyusi raised concerns about the upcoming demonstrations scheduled for October 24 and 25, questioning the rationale behind staging protests before the official electoral process has been concluded. “How can anyone know they have won or lost before the results are officially announced? This is troubling not only to Mozambicans but also to the international community,” the President noted, highlighting the calls he has received from businesspeople and global leaders.
He urged calm and asked the population to await the final outcome of the electoral process while continuing their daily activities for the betterment of the country. “Let’s turn the page and focus on building a better future for the next generations,” Nyusi appealed.
Finally, Nyusi warned that the tragic assassination of Elvino Dias and Paulo Guambe should not be used as an excuse to incite further violence in the country. He emphasized that investigations are ongoing and that the motivations and perpetrators of the crime are still unknown.
