Dozens have been killed in Mozambique due to violent clashes arising from disputed election results, with civil rights groups reporting at least 90 fatalities since late October. The ruling Frelimo party’s election win is contested by opposition leaders, and protests are ongoing, indicating persistent unrest in the nation.
At least 90 individuals have lost their lives in Mozambique due to violent confrontations between anti-government demonstrators and security forces following the contentious presidential elections of October. The civil rights organization, Plataforma Decide, reported that these fatalities occurred between October 21 and December 5, with almost 3,500 people detained. The unrest erupted after the ruling Frelimo party, which has governed since 1975, emerged victorious in the elections, widely criticized by opposition groups as fraudulent.
The resurgence of protests on Wednesday resulted in further casualties, with police confirming the deaths of five more individuals and injuries to three others. Orlando Modumane, the national police spokesperson, noted that the deceased included individuals who were struck by vehicles and beaten, while emphasizing that none of the casualties were police officers. Reports from the northern city of Nampula indicated that law enforcement employed live ammunition to disperse protesters attempting to breach the governor’s residence.
As the constitutional council prepares to affirm the election results in the coming weeks ahead of the January inauguration of Daniel Chapo, the Frelimo candidate, tensions remain high. The electoral commission indicated that Chapo secured approximately 71% of the votes, whereas Venancio Mondlane, leader of the Podemos party, claimed that his own tally was significantly higher than reported. Mondlane, a former radio broadcaster, expressed that the ongoing unrest is likely to persist into the holiday season, asserting that “all of us will not have Christmas, because the people will be on the streets.”
The post-election violence in Mozambique has been primarily fueled by allegations of election fraud following the October presidential polls. The elections were marked by significant contention, particularly with the ruling Frelimo party claiming a decisive victory while opposition parties vigorously contested the results. This ongoing conflict has resulted in widespread protests, drawing both public anger and police response. Civil society groups like Plataforma Decide have been monitoring and reporting the casualties and arrests amidst the unrest, showcasing the severity of the situation in the country.
The situation in Mozambique remains precarious following the October presidential elections, with tensions leading to significant loss of life and civil unrest. As the ruling party prepares for a formal transition of power, the opposition continues to challenge the legitimacy of the electoral process. The potential for continued demonstrations during the festive season raises concerns about further violence and societal discord.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
