Mozambique Police Crack Down on Anti-Government Protests with Tear Gas

Mozambique Police Clash with Protesters, Fire Tear Gas

The protests turned violent as police and military forces used tear gas, live ammunition, and rubber bullets to...

Mozambique's Frelimo party faces protests and criticism over disputed election results, with opposition leader Venancio Mondlane claiming vote-rigging.

Thousands of protesters gathered in Maputo, Mozambique, on Thursday to contest the results of the general elections held on October 9, which saw the long-ruling Frelimo party declared the winner. The demonstration, dubbed the “Day of Liberation,” was organized by opposition presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane, who claims the election was rigged.

The protests turned violent as police and military forces used tear gas, live ammunition, and rubber bullets to disperse the crowds. Reports indicate that plainclothes officers were seen firing real bullets, and a police helicopter was also deployed to fire tear gas in outlying suburbs. The military's stance was more restrained, occasionally allowing protesters to advance, but ultimately cordoning off the city center.

This unrest follows a pattern of violence that has plagued Mozambique since the election results were announced. Human rights groups report that at least 18 people have been killed in the police crackdown on protests. The election was highly contested, with many young people supporting Mondlane's independent candidacy. The Frelimo party has extended its 49-year rule, sparking widespread anger and allegations of electoral irregularities.

Developments:

Protesters Dispersed: Police and military forces used tear gas and live ammunition to disperse thousands of protesters in Maputo .

Election Dispute: Opposition candidate Venâncio Mondlane claims the election was rigged, sparking widespread protests.

Violence and Casualties: Human rights groups report at least 18 people killed in police crackdown on protests.

Frelimo's Extended Rule: The long-ruling party's victory has sparked anger and allegations of electoral irregularities.

Protesters in Mozambique took to the streets, chanting powerful slogans like ”Power to the people” and “Frelimo must fall” as they demanded change. Some even blockaded streets with burning tires and held homemade signs supporting Venancio Mondlane, the opposition candidate. Julia Macamo, a 55-year-old street vendor and mother of six, was still shaken by the tear gas she inhaled while protesting in the Maxaquene neighborhood. “This is it. If we don't stand up now, nothing will change,” she said, her voice filled with determination. “It's time to see the back of Frelimo.”

Adriano Nuvunga, director of Mozambique's Centre for Democracy and Human Rights, emphasized the significance of these protests, stating that the country had never seen such large demonstrations. The protests were sparked by the disputed election results, which saw the ruling Frelimo party declared the winner. The opposition, led by Mondlane, claims the election was rigged.

As the protesters marched through the streets, they were met with force by the police, who used tear gas and live ammunition to disperse the crowd. Human Rights Watch reported that at least three people were killed, including a 10-year-old boy, and many more were injured. The international community is calling for accountability and an investigation into the use of excessive force by the police.

Concerns:

Excessive Force: Police used tear gas, live ammunition, and rubber bullets against protesters.

Human Rights Abuses: Reports of torture, ill-treatment, and prosecutions of protesters and opponents.

Disputed Election Results: Opposition claims election was rigged, leading to widespread protests.

The situation in Mozambique remains tense, with protesters demanding change and accountability. The international community is watching closely, calling for restraint and respect for human rights.

Mozambique is witnessing significant unrest following the disputed election results, which declared the long-ruling Frelimo party the winner. Civil society groups and Western observers have chimed in, stating that the election was unfair and results were altered. This isn't the first time Frelimo has faced accusations of vote-rigging; similar allegations surfaced in previous polls, prompting smaller protests last year.

The current situation has escalated, with President Filipe Nyusi remaining silent. His defense minister, however, has issued a stern warning, threatening to deploy the army and cautioning against attempts to seize power. The opposition, led by independent candidate Venancio Mondlane, claims the election was rigged and has called for protests.

Key Developments:

Protests Intensify: Thousands of protesters, mostly young people, have taken to the streets, barricading roads with burning tires and waving homemade signs in support of Mondlane.

International Concern: South Africa has closed its main border crossing for security reasons and advised its citizens against non-essential travel to Mozambique.

Election Certification: Mozambique's Constitutional Council has yet to certify the election results, a process typically taking around two months.

Army Deployment Threat: The defense minister's warning has raised concerns about potential military intervention.

As tensions rise, many are watching to see how the situation unfolds. The Constitutional Council's decision on the election results will likely play a significant role in determining the country's future.

Mozambique's electoral commission has been given a 72-hour ultimatum to explain discrepancies in the presidential, legislative, and provincial elections' vote counts. This development comes as many Mozambicans are frustrated with the lack of economic opportunities despite the country's wealth of natural resources. The northern region, rich in gas reserves, is home to billion-dollar projects by TotalEnergies and ExxonMobil, but these have been halted due to an Islamist insurgency.

The insurgency, led by Islamic State-linked militants, has forced over a million people from their homes, killed around 4,000 civilians, and stifled economic growth in the gas-rich Cabo Delgado province. TotalEnergies' $20 billion liquefied natural gas project and ExxonMobil's Rovuma LNG project are among the affected investments. Despite these challenges, ExxonMobil remains optimistic, pushing forward with its project and expecting a final investment decision by the end of next year.

Security Concerns and Travel Advisories

Border Closure: South Africa has closed its main border crossing with Mozambique for security reasons.

Travel Advisory: South Africa's foreign ministry has advised its citizens against all but essential travel to Mozambique.

The situation remains volatile, with the international community calling for restraint and respect for human rights. The US has provided aid under the Global Fragility Act to counter the insurgency and promote human rights in Mozambique.