By Ebi Kesiena
Mozambican police opened fire on protesters in the capital, Maputo, on Tuesday, killing two people during a demonstration led by opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, AFP journalists and witnesses reported.
The protest marked the latest in a series of demonstrations against the October presidential election, which Mondlane claims was rigged in favor of President Daniel Chapo. International observers previously noted irregularities in the election.
AFP photographs showed two bodies lying in pools of blood in the Matola area. Civil society groups confirmed that police used live ammunition to disperse demonstrators.
Mondlane, who officially secured 24% of the vote against Chapo’s 65%, insists he was the rightful winner. Protests since the election have resulted in over 360 deaths, according to local group Plataforma Decide.
Chapo, who took office in January, leads the Frelimo party, which has governed Mozambique since its independence in 1975.
