Mozambique: Women, capulana dresses, and police violence stand out at Nampula protests

Women protesters in Nampula, Mozambique took to the streets before Women's Day to demonstrate against the first lady's broken promise to distribute capulanas, traditional colorful dresses that hold deep cultural significance. The capulana, historically linked to Mozambique's independence movement, has emerged as both a practical tool and powerful symbol of resistance during ongoing political unrest following disputed 2024 elections. Social media has become crucial for documenting these protests and mobilizing citizens, though the government recently passed legislation enabling potential telecommunications blocking and proposed laws penalizing road blockades during demonstrations.