The Government reinforced the alert to the Portuguese community in Mozambique, given the social and political instability that the country is experiencing. The Executive recommended maintaining greater security precautions.
This Wednesday, the Portuguese Government updated for the second time the warning of October 25 to national citizens who are in Mozambique to avoid gatherings and maintain greater security precautions, given the social unrest experienced in that country.
“Given the current context of social instability and the occurrence of clashes between protesters and police authorities, “It is recommended that all Portuguese citizens in Mozambique take additional safety precautions, especially on November 7.”reads the note from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, available on the Portuguese Communities Portal.
This Wednesday’s warning, which had a first update on October 30, is related to the street protests that paralyzed the country, called by presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane.
Mozambique: Portuguese government calls for greater security measures
The candidate once again called on the population to a seven-day general strike, starting on October 31, with national protests that have degenerated into violence and police intervention, and a demonstration concentrated in Maputo called for this Thursday.
In the updated alert issued this Wednesday, the Portuguese Government considers that given the call for marches and demonstrations, “with special attention to the city of Maputo and its surroundings, The recommendation to avoid popular gatherings is reiterated.”
“Due to specific circulation limitations, the recommendation is reiterated that trips be duly considered and prepared. It is also recommended to obtain prior information from the competent authorities about the absence of restrictions or limitations on movement. Whenever possible, on longer trips the option of air transport should be preferred,” the note adds.
The Portuguese Government recalls that in recent days there have been “recurrent limitations of access” to the Internet, “which are expected to continue in the coming days” and highlights that, if necessary, Portuguese citizens will be able to contact the emergency numbers consular offices of the Consulates General of Portugal in Beira and Maputo, as well as the Consular Emergency Office in Portugal.
Venâncio Mondlane does not recognize the results of the general elections of October 9 announced by the National Electoral Commission (CNE), which gave victory to Daniel Chapo, supported by the Mozambique Liberation Front (Frelimo, party in power since 1975) , with a 70.67. % of the votes, but which still must be validated by the Constitutional Council.
This Wednesday marks the seventh day of strikes and demonstrations throughout the country, also called by Venâncio Mondlane against the electoral results, and the generality led to police intervention, which dispersed with gunshots and tear gas, while the protesters blocked avenues, threw stones and threw stones. burning of public and private equipment, as had already occurred in the protests of October 21, 24 and 25.
Source: Observadora
