Good afternoon. Is the bullet hole which police allegedly left in the car that was transporting opposition presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane through the city of Nampula a sign of things to come? Mondlane has asked the public to hold a general strike on Monday, and to stay at home, in protest at what he says is the stealing of the elections by ruling party Frelimo. A large number of people, at least in urban areas, are likely to join. But as astute a political operator as Mondlane will know that, on an occasion like that, some of his supporters will also take to the streets and demonstrate.
The full Daily Briefing continues below for Pro subscribers. Subscribers to the Zitamar News tier can read the top half, including the full leader article, here.
The police have made it clear, however, that they will not tolerate opposition protests. Last week, police used tear gas to disperse protesters in Maputo, and this week, a demonstrator in Nampula was shot during a pro-Mondlane demonstration, according to the election observer group Plataforma Decide. Meanwhile, police have been holding exercises in cities, in an apparent show of force. A heavy police presence is in place in the city of Beira today, which Mondlane is visiting next.
