Mozambique Erupts: Deadly Protests Over Disputed Election Results

Protesters Take to Streets as Mozambique's Opposition Disputes Election Outcome

Mozambique's capital, Maputo, descended into chaos on October 25...

Discover the latest updates on Mozambique's post-election unrest, where opposition leader Venancio Mondlane rejects the results, citing irregularities. Rioters clash with police, blocking roads and destroying ruling party billboards, amid EU reports of favoritism and counting irregularities.

Deadly protests have rocked Mozambique following the country's disputed local elections, with security forces using excessive force, including live ammunition, rubber bullets, and tear gas, against protesters. The unrest began after the main opposition party, Mozambican National Resistance (RENAMO), disputed the Election Commission's announcement that the ruling Liberation Front of Mozambique (FRELIMO) had won in 64 out of 65 municipalities.

Violence and Casualties

At least five civilians have been killed, including three children, and 27 others injured in the clashes. A 10-year-old boy was fatally shot while returning from school, and a 12-year-old boy suffered four gunshot wounds. Human rights groups have condemned the use of lethal force by security forces, calling for investigations and accountability.

International Response

Organizations like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have urged the Mozambican authorities to investigate the excessive use of force and ensure those responsible are brought to justice. The international community is also pressing for accountability and respect for human rights in the country.

Background

The protests erupted after the Mozambican Electoral Commission announced the ruling party's victory on October 26, 2023. The opposition party had disputed the results, leading to widespread unrest and violence.

Mozambique's capital, Maputo, descended into chaos on October 25, 2024, as protests against the ruling party Frelimo's re-election turned violent overnight. The unrest was sparked by opposition supporters who claimed the electoral commission had stolen the election, with hundreds taking to the streets in outrage. At the heart of the controversy is the commission's declaration of Daniel Chapo as the winner of the October 9 election, securing a landslide 71% of the vote.

The protests gathered momentum as the electoral authority, often accused of favoring Frelimo, announced the results. Demonstrators assembled in multiple cities, demanding justice and transparency. This isn't the first time Mozambique has seen election-related violence; in 2023, protests erupted after the municipal elections, resulting in clashes between opposition supporters and security forces.

Issues Fueling the Protests:

Electoral Commission's Credibility: Accusations of bias towards Frelimo

Disputed Election Results: Opposition claims of stolen elections

Violent Clashes: Confrontations between protesters and security forces

Nationwide Unrest: Protests spreading across multiple cities

The situation remains tense, with further protests and clashes likely in the coming days. The government has deployed security measures, including checkpoints and increased patrolling, to maintain order. As the situation unfolds, concerns about the country's democratic process and the safety of its citizens continue to grow.

Violent protests erupted in Maputo, Mozambique, as demonstrators blocked roads with burning tires and destroyed ruling party Frelimo's election billboards. Rioters clashed with anti-riot police, hurling stones and prompting a tear gas response to disperse the crowd.

Daniel Chapo, a relatively unknown former provincial governor, is set to succeed President Filipe Nyusi in January 2025 as the ruling Frelimo party's surprise candidate. Chapo lacks national government experience.

Opposition leader Venancio Mondlane rejected the election results, citing irregularities and proclaiming himself the winner. He received 20% of the official vote but disputes this outcome. Mondlane called for demonstrations via Facebook Live, labeling the results “rotten, doctored, and fake.”

The European Union's election observation mission reported irregularities during vote counting and favoritism toward Frelimo. This development has heightened tensions in Mozambique.