Mozambique President Daniel Chapo met main opposition leader Venancio Mondlane to discuss ways to reduce tensions. The meeting came after months of violent clashes between protesters and security forces, the president’s office said on Sunday.
Mozambique has been facing political trouble since the disputed general election in October.
International observers said the election had many problems. After the vote, protests and roadblocks lasted for more than two months. A local civil society group reported that over 360 people lost their lives during this time.
Chapo and Mondlane met in the capital, Maputo, to talk about ways to solve the country’s problems, the president’s office said. The meeting was part of ongoing efforts to bring stability and support peace in the country
He said he would soon share more details about the meeting and explain the next steps.
Mondlane, who is popular among young people, did not join the meeting. Instead, he led hundreds of his supporters in a march in Maputo.
About 14 people were injured during violent clashes with the police.
At least two people died last week when police fired at a crowd during another protest organized by Mondlane.
The president’s office said Sunday’s meeting showed a wish to build connections and have open, helpful talks. They also shared a photo of Chapo and Mondlane shaking hands.
Chapo’s move came almost two weeks after Mondlane said he was questioned for 10 hours by prosecutors and placed under court supervision.
Official results from last year’s election showed Mondlane in second place, while Chapo, from the Frelimo party, won. Frelimo has ruled Mozambique since it became independent from Portugal in 1975.
Chapo received 65 percent of the votes, while Mondlane got 24 percent.
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