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 at 11.45pm and sing the national anthem until 2025 kicks in.
“We must find ourselves again as Mozambicans,” he said.
Mozambique has faced one of is bloodiest weeks since October, when Mondlane first called for protests after rejecting his defeat in the elections.
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.
In his latest address, he urged people to “cook and socialise” in their neighbourhoods, before a new wave of protests begin on 2 January.
“I am ready to lose my life for this fight,” he added.
He previously said he will install himself as president on 15 January – the day Chapo is due to be sworn in – despite the constitutional court upholding his rival’s victory.
It is unclear how Mondlane intends to take office, given he is in self-imposed exile.
In a statement, Chapo said he would serve as “the President for all” after his inauguration.
“We will soon work together on solutions to the problems caused by this unfortunate situation,” he added.