Violence Erupts Across Mozambique After Court Upholds Frelimo’s Election Victory, 21 Killed

Violence Erupts Across Mozambique After Court Upholds Frelimo’s Election Victory, 21 Killed

At least 21 people have been killed in violent unrest across Mozambique following the Constitutional Council’s decision to uphold the victory of the long-ruling Frelimo party in the controversial October presidential election. The announcement, made late Tuesday by Interior Minister Pascoal Ronda, confirmed that Frelimo’s candidate, Daniel Chapo, won with 65.17% of the vote, dismissing widespread allegations of electoral fraud. This ruling has sparked fierce protests nationwide, with opposition supporters claiming the election was rigged.

Frelimo Party candidate, Daniel Chapo

The protests erupted after the Constitutional Council’s Monday decision, which many opposition groups rejected as unjust. The opposition, led by politician Venâncio Mondlane, has accused Frelimo of electoral manipulation, including voter intimidation, ballot stuffing, and irregularities in vote counting. Mondlane’s party, the Mozambique Democratic Movement (MDM), insists that the election results were fraudulent and has called for mass demonstrations to challenge the outcome.

Protests have been widespread, with demonstrators blocking roads, burning tires, and clashing with security forces in several provinces. In key urban centers such as Maputo, Beira, and Nampula, public buildings and vehicles have been vandalized as frustration with the political situation boils over. In some areas, security forces have responded with heavy-handed tactics, deploying tear gas and live ammunition to disperse crowds.

As the violence escalates, at least 78 people have been arrested, with government officials warning of further detentions. Minister Ronda stated that the country’s armed forces would be increased in critical areas to restore order. “The armed and defense forces will increase their presence in critical and key points,” Ronda told the state broadcaster TVM, emphasizing that security measures are being bolstered to quell the unrest.

The deadly clashes between protesters and security forces have raised alarms among human rights organizations, which have urged the government to exercise restraint and protect the rights of peaceful demonstrators. Local activists report that several of the deaths occurred during violent confrontations with police, while many others have sustained injuries. Human rights groups are calling for a thorough investigation into the fatalities and the use of excessive force by security personnel.

The political crisis is exacerbated by the country’s ongoing economic difficulties, including widespread poverty and a protracted insurgency in the northern Cabo Delgado province, where Islamist militants have terrorized communities for several years. These factors have contributed to rising discontent and frustration with the government, which has ruled Mozambique since its independence in 1975. Frelimo’s long-standing control of the country has often been marked by allegations of electoral fraud, power consolidation, and repression of opposition movements.

The escalating violence in Mozambique reflects the country’s deepening political crisis, as well as the challenges it faces in addressing economic instability, security concerns, and growing public dissatisfaction. The ongoing protests and civil unrest underscore the fragility of the country’s democratic institutions and the widening divide between the ruling party and opposition groups.

As the death toll rises and protests continue across the country, the international community has urged Mozambique’s government to engage in dialogue with opposition groups and ensure the peaceful resolution of the crisis.

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