The Mozambican police again this week used water cannon to
disperse a group of demobilised soldiers who were attempting to march on the of
office of Prime Minister Alberto Vaquina to demand that all demobilised troops
receive a pension of 20,000 meticais (664 USD) a month. It was the second time
the police have used water cannon against the crowds protesting for the Forum
of Demobilised Soldiers. On the first occasion, in February this year, the
police also used tear gas and baton charges. Reports reveal that the police,
armed with anti-riot shields, firearms and tear gas, were prepared and waiting
for the demonstrators as they neared Vaquina’s office. An apparent standoff
with between the two groups was short lived as a riot police vehicle armed with
water cannon arrived and successfully dispersed the protestors. Members of the
riot police then waded into the dispersing crowd, clashing violently with the
scattering demonstrators, and made four arrests. The Forum later stated that it
will continue to demonstrate despite the actions of the police.
Original article http://allafrica.com/stories/201303121345.html
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