The protests were triggered by accusations from the opposition of electoral fraud, leading to escalating unrest and the deaths of at least 18 people, according to Human Rights Watch.
Mozambican police used tear gas to disperse protesters on the streets of Maputo, with several thousand people rallying in parts of the capital over the contested October 9 election results.
The protests were triggered by accusations from the opposition of electoral fraud, leading to escalating unrest and the deaths of at least 18 people, according to Human Rights Watch.
The ruling FRELIMO party’s Daniel Chapo secured 70.67% of the vote, while his main opponent, independent candidate Venancio Mondlane, received 20.32%, AFP reports.
RENAMO’s Ossufo Momade came third with 5.81%. Riot police were observed deploying tear gas to disperse the crowds in several areas of the city on Thursday morning.
Earlier, police and military personnel had been patrolling Maputo, dispersing gatherings, following the death of a police officer during protests over the weekend.
Defence Minister Cristavao Chume warned that military intervention could occur to “protect the interests of the state.”
Volker Türk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, expressed alarm over the violence, stating, “The police must refrain from using unnecessary or disproportionate force and ensure that they manage protests in line with Mozambique’s international human rights obligations.”
Mondlane, currently abroad due to safety concerns, told AFP, “I feel that there is a revolutionary atmosphere… that shows that we are on the verge of a unique historical and political transition in the country.”
He and the Podemos party have claimed that the election results were fraudulent and that Mondlane was the true victor.
As tensions rise, port and terminal operations in Mozambique were suspended, and South Africa temporarily closed its border with Mozambique.
The Lebombo crossing has since been partially reopened, with Mozambicans stranded on the South African side now allowed to cross back into Mozambique.
