Last Saturday, a clash between members of RENAMO, the main opposition party in Mozambique, and Frelimo, which has governed the country since 1975, resulted in six serious injuries in the city of Nacala-Porto. The incident occurred during a crossing of caravans from both parties at a traffic light in the city.
According to information from the Public Integrity Center (CIP), which monitors the electoral process in Mozambique, the fight began at around ten o'clock on Saturday morning. The RENAMO caravan was on its way to the Indrissa Market, while Frelimo members were returning from Nacala International Airport after receiving the president of the party and the Republic, Filipe Nyusi.
Witnesses reported that RENAMO members were surprised by Frelimo members, who began throwing stones in their direction. The clash resulted in six injuries among RENAMO supporters. Despite the police presence at the scene, they were unable to prevent the confrontation.
According to reports, the problems began the same morning, when Frelimo members took a RENAMO member to the Frelimo Committee headquarters in Nacala, where he was beaten until he lost consciousness. Police were present during this incident but did not stop the assault.
The RENAMO member was later taken to the Nacala district hospital, and criminal proceedings were opened against him, although the exact charges against the victim were not disclosed.
According to Francisco Abudo, RENAMO electoral agent, when the injured man arrived at the hospital, there were no doctors available to treat him. Observers from the “Mais Integridade” consortium, coordinator and supervisor, had their phones seized during the confrontation, and all the information contained on them was erased by members of Frelimo.
The Frelimo campaign director in Nacala confirmed the situation, but had no information about Frelimo members or supporters among the injured, promising a later statement on the matter.
The incident highlights the political tension in Mozambique during the electoral process and highlights the need for a safe environment for political participation and respect for citizens' rights.
