Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, explained to TV10 that the Rwandan Embassy in Mozambique will be temporarily closed starting Wednesday, November 6 through November 7, 2024. The Rwandan government made this decision as a precaution to protect Rwandan nationals from potential violence linked to ongoing protests.
These protests are led by supporters of politician Venancio Mandlane, leader of the Podemos party, following the Mozambican Election Commission’s recent announcement that Frelimo’s Daniel Chapo won the presidential election held on October 9, 2024, with 70.6% of the vote.
Amid the unrest, Mandlane and other opposition figures accused Rwandan security forces, who are deployed in Cabo Delgado Province, of moving to Maputo to confront protesters. This claim was firmly denied by both the Rwandan government and the European Union (EU).
Minister Nduhungirehe stated, “There have been various messages circulating on social media from Mozambican politicians encouraging hostility against Rwandans, especially today, November 6, and tomorrow, November 7, as protests are planned in Maputo.”
He continued, “We have advised our embassy to remain closed for these two days, and we have also urged our ambassador to recommend that Rwandan nationals, especially business owners, keep their shops closed. Today and tomorrow are considered critical days, with the possibility of escalating tensions aimed at challenging the government.”
When asked if there were concerns about protesters targeting Rwandans in their homes, Minister Nduhungirehe responded that Mozambican security forces have implemented measures to ensure their safety.
BY TUYISHIME Eric
