Mozambique’s opposition leader Venancio Mondlane and President Daniel Chapo announced an agreement on Monday to halt violence following months of deadly clashes.
Mondlane, who met Chapo in Maputo on Sunday, said the two leaders had reached a consensus to end the violence that has plagued the country since the controversial general elections in October.
“We will end all violence,” Mondlane declared in a live video on social media.
“Both police and civil violence must stop immediately.”
He emphasized the need for a halt to attacks on both supporters and members of the ruling party, as well as the destruction of property.
Since the elections, over 360 people have died in protests and violent confrontations, according to local civil society groups.
The violence has led to widespread public unrest, with both sides suffering casualties.
Mondlane also highlighted the agreement to provide social and psychological support to the families of victims and ensure legal conditions for the release of detained protesters.
The election, in which Chapo was declared the winner with 65% of the vote, has sparked fierce opposition.
Mondlane, who claims to have won with 53%, insists the results were tainted by electoral fraud.
Despite these tensions, Mondlane called for a new era of dialogue.
“Today, we begin this process,” he said, urging the nation to look forward to peace.
