Mozambique: At least 3 dead in latest protest, army deployed

Violence erupted in Mozambique’s capital, Maputo, on Thursday, resulting in at least three deaths and 66 injuries after clashes between police and protesters. The deaths were confirmed by Maputo’s largest hospital on Friday, following a week of escalating demonstrations that have gripped the country since the disputed October 9 elections.

The protests, sparked by allegations of electoral fraud, were led by independent candidate Venancio Mondlane, who was backed by the Podemos party. Mondlane, who finished second in the controversial polls, accused the ruling government of manipulating the results. In response, he called for a week of protests, culminating in Thursday’s violent confrontation with law enforcement.

The protests have become increasingly intense since late October, with demonstrations taking place in several cities. Amnesty International reported this week that at least 20 people have died since the unrest began, with many more injured. The situation has prompted the government to take drastic measures, including deploying Mozambique’s armed forces to restore order.

On Thursday, Maputo’s streets were filled with demonstrators who set fires and blocked roads, creating chaos in the capital. In response, police used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowds. Witnesses reported scenes of chaos as security forces clamped down on the protests, which were organized by various opposition groups who believe the election results were rigged.

In addition to the violence on the streets, political tensions have also flared within the country’s institutions. The Constitutional Council, which is responsible for overseeing elections, ordered the National Elections Commission to explain the discrepancies in the vote counts reported during last month’s elections. These discrepancies, particularly in the results of the presidential race, have fueled accusations of fraud and manipulation, further inflaming the protests.

The election results, which saw incumbent President Filipe Nyusi of the ruling Frelimo party declared the winner, have been met with widespread skepticism. Mondlane and other opposition leaders argue that the vote count was tampered with and that the election process was deeply flawed. Mondlane’s supporters have demanded transparency and accountability from the government.

Despite the rising tensions, President Nyusi has called for calm and reiterated his willingness to engage in dialogue with opposition leaders. In a public statement, he urged all parties to avoid violence and warned of the potential economic consequences of the ongoing unrest. “We are open to dialogue,” Nyusi said, “but we must also recognize that continued protests will harm the country’s economy and the livelihoods of its people.”

The situation remains volatile, with more protests expected in the coming days. While the government has pledged to address concerns over the election process, many opposition groups feel their voices are being ignored and that the government’s promises of dialogue are insufficient.

In the wake of the violence, human rights groups have raised concerns over the use of force by the police and military. Amnesty International has called for an independent investigation into the deaths and injuries caused by security forces during the protests. The group has also urged the government to respect the right to peaceful assembly and refrain from using excessive force against demonstrators.

As the unrest continues, Mozambique faces the prospect of further political instability. With tensions between the government and opposition parties running high, the country’s future will likely be shaped by how effectively the authorities can manage the protests and address allegations of election fraud.

For now, the streets of Maputo remain tense, with military presence visible in key areas as the government attempts to restore order. The protests, which have already claimed several lives, show no signs of abating, and it is unclear whether the government’s call for dialogue will be enough to end the unrest.