Mozambique’s main opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane has called for unity ahead of a fresh round of protests against the outcome of presidential elections.
In a live broadcast on his Facebook page, Mondlane who is in self-imposed exile, urged citizens to join hands in their neighbourhoods and sing the national anthem until 2025 kicks in.
A local monitoring group, Plataforma Decide, said that 179 people died in riots last week, after the country’s highest court confirmed that the ruling party candidate, Daniel Chapo, won the election.
This brought the death toll to 278 people since demonstrations began after the electoral commission declared Chapo the winner of elections in October, extending Frelimo’s 49-year rule.
The fatalities include protesters, children and members of the security forces.
Mondlane fled Mozambique, saying his life was in danger after two of his aides were shot dead in October.
