Former presidential candidate, Venancio Mondlane, has denied calling for street demonstrations to mark the anniversary of last year’s election violence. Mondlane said he has, instead, called for a day of reflection and to remember those killed in the violence, including his lawyer, who was murdered while working on an appeal against the election results.

Ceremonies to mark the occasion were held in some parts of Maputo, while a planned protest march was banned. The police earlier warned against demonstrations “which call public order into question”.

The Mozambican Bar Association has, meanwhile, expressed frustration over the slow pace investigation into the killing of Mondlane’s lawyer. In a statement, the group accused the authorities, including the Attorney General’s Office, of “unjustifiable and unacceptable delays,” warning that the prolonged silence on the matter undermines trust in the justice system and threatens the foundations of the country’s democracy.