Violent clashes in Mozambique have resulted in 125 deaths over three days as protests erupt against the presidential election results. The unrest follows the confirmation of Frelimo’s Daniel Chapo as president, with claims of election rigging leading to accusations against security forces of inciting violence. As public transport halts and barricades remain, the situation escalates with a total of 252 reported deaths since violence began in October.
In Mozambique, escalating violence following the recent presidential elections has led to a grim death toll of 125 over a span of three days, as reported by the NGO Plataforma Decide. This unrest was sparked by protests against the election results, where the Frelimo party, in power since 1975, claimed victory with 65.17 percent of the vote despite allegations of irregularities raised by international observers. Protests in response to the court’s confirmation of these results turned violent, resulting in widespread chaos, including arson and looting. The national police reported an initial count of 21 fatalities during the first 24 hours of rioting, with further clashes occurring as a mass jailbreak near Maputo left an additional 33 inmates dead.
The Plataforma Decide has indicated that since the onset of violence in October, the overall casualty count has escalated to 252. The unrest has predominantly affected regions surrounding the capital, Maputo, as well as northern provinces such as Nampula and the significant urban center of Beira. The NGO also noted over 4,000 arrests have been made in connection with the ongoing demonstrations, including 137 during the recent outbreaks of violence. Venancio Mondlane, the main rival to incumbent President Daniel Chapo, has accused the government of manipulating the unrest to justify a state of emergency and suppress ongoing protests. Although some barricades around Maputo were dismantled, many others remain, severely limiting transportation in the area and leading to the suspension of public transport services.
Mozambique has experienced significant political turmoil following its recent presidential elections held on October 9, 2023. The victory of the ruling Frelimo party led by Daniel Chapo has been deeply contested by opposition leaders, who have claimed that the electoral process was marred by irregularities and insufficient oversight. Protests erupted questioning the legitimacy of the election results, leading to violent confrontations with law enforcement and escalating civil unrest in various regions of the country. The situation has garnered international concern and has drawn attention to the methods used by authorities to maintain control during this volatile period.
The recent wave of violence in Mozambique underscores the fragile nature of its political landscape following the disputed elections. With a reported 125 deaths occurring in just three days of unrest, the situation highlights the urgent need for dialogue and resolution to the political grievances expressed by the opposition. The ongoing confrontations and claims of government overreach signal a critical moment in Mozambique’s democratic journey, necessitating the international community’s engagement to restore peace and stability.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
