Venâncio Mondlane calls off strike, claims success in halting national activities
Venâncio Mondlane, the presidential candidate who called for a national strike, has ordered the cessation of the strike, stating that the objective of halting the country’s activities was achieved by 95%.
Mondlane, who continues to claim victory in the recent general elections, declared that the goal of bringing the nation’s activities to a standstill was largely successful, with widespread adherence to the strike he initiated in protest of the election results, which he contests as unfavorable.
In a press statement in Maputo, Mondlane assessed the outcome of the march that was organized in the capital. “I want to tell all the youth to end the strike. Our goal has been achieved. Economic activities and others were halted by 95%. Only 5% of essential services remain operational. This shows that Mozambicans have embraced our cause. Congratulations to the Mozambican people,” Mondlane said.
The candidate promised to announce the next phase of his protest soon, ensuring that the upcoming actions will have an even greater civic impact.
Mondlane urged all the youth to return home and await further instructions from him or from the PODEMOS party, which currently holds second place in the vote count, according to the electoral administration bodies.
He reiterated his strong criticism of the Mozambican police, accusing the force of preventing the realization of peaceful marches, which he described as a constitutional right of citizens.
Mondlane revealed that he was unable to attend the gathering location early in the morning because his residence was surrounded by the Defence and Security Forces, preventing him from making any movements.
He vowed to continue challenging the official election results as they are being announced, calling them fraudulent.
Meanwhile, the press continues to suffer casualties while covering the strike. Two cameramen were shot by police using live ammunition to disperse protesters—one from STV, one of the country’s largest private television channels, and another from TV Glória, an emerging news outlet.
Both were assisted, with the TV Glória cameraman requiring evacuation to a hospital.
The atmosphere in Maputo is gradually returning to normal following Mondlane’s announcement to end the strike.
