At least 21 people have died in Mozambique amid a surge of violent protests following the Constitutional Council’s confirmation of the ruling Frelimo party’s victory in disputed elections, according to the country’s Interior Minister, Al Jazeera reports.
The unrest, which began on Monday night, has included attacks on public facilities and clashes with security forces.
Interior Minister Pascoal Ronda stated at a press conference on Tuesday that the deaths include at least two police officers. He also reported a total of “236 acts of serious violence” since Monday, resulting in at least 25 people wounded, including 13 police officers.
The protests erupted immediately after the Constitutional Council declared Frelimo’s candidate, Daniel Chapo, the winner of the presidential election, a decision that opposition groups and protesters claim was based on a rigged vote held on October 9th. Opposition candidate Venancio Mondlane’s supporters took to the streets following the announcement.
Widespread Violence and Security Response
The protests have been marked by significant violence, with demonstrators accused of attacking and vandalizing police stations, petrol stations, banks, and other public facilities. In response to the escalating violence, 78 people have been arrested, and security measures have been tightened across the country. Ronda stated that “the armed forces will increase their presence in critical and key points.”
The current unrest builds upon a wave of violent protests that began in late October when electoral authorities first declared Chapo the winner. Human rights and civil society groups have reported that more than 130 people have been killed since October 21, accusing Mozambican security forces of using excessive force to suppress the demonstrations.
Opposition Response and Lingering Tensions
Venancio Mondlane, the opposition candidate, urged his supporters to brace themselves for “difficult days ahead” in a social media post after Monday’s announcement. Despite the confirmation of Frelimo’s victory, Mondlane added, “History is made of thorny, rocky moments, but the truth is that victory is guaranteed for all of us,” signalling that the opposition will continue to challenge the results.
The accusations of rigged votes against Frelimo are not new. The party has been repeatedly accused by opponents and election observers of manipulating elections, although they have consistently denied such claims.
