Post-election violence in Mozambique has resulted in 125 deaths in just three days amid protests against alleged electoral fraud. The Constitutional Court confirmed Frelimo party’s victory, sparking unrest that has led to significant casualties and numerous arrests. Opposition figures accuse the government of further inciting violence to suppress dissent.
In Mozambique, violent protests following the contentious presidential election have resulted in the deaths of 125 individuals over a span of only three days, as reported by a non-governmental organization. The unrest was ignited after the Constitutional Court validated the election results which confirmed Daniel Chapo of the Frelimo party as the victor with 65.17 percent of the vote, a party that has maintained power since the country’s independence in 1975. Opposition protests erupted in response, often escalating into violent confrontations with authorities, resulting in significant property damage across several cities.
The violence peaked on Tuesday, with government reports indicating a death toll of 21 in the initial 24 hours of unrest across major urban centers, including the capital, Maputo. Moreover, reports surfaced of a mass jailbreak near Maputo leading to at least 33 fatalities among prisoners during violent encounters with prison staff. The NGO Plataforma Decide revealed on Thursday that since the onset of unprecedented violence in October, the overall death toll has reached 252, with numerous individuals arrested amid widespread civil unrest.
Key areas adversely affected include the capital and its surrounding regions, as well as northern provinces like Nampula and Beira, Mozambique’s second-largest city. In total, over 4,000 arrests associated with the demonstrations have been recorded since October, including 137 in just the past three days. Opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, currently in exile, has characterized the election outcome as fraudulent and accused security forces of provoking unrest to justify a subsequent state of emergency, thereby stifling dissent. While some barricades in Maputo had been removed as of Thursday, many others continued to obstruct traffic, and public transport services remained suspended.
The recent turmoil in Mozambique is rooted in the aftermath of the presidential elections held on October 9, where Daniel Chapo, representing the ruling Frelimo party, was declared the winner amidst allegations of election malfeasance by international observers and opposition forces. The Frelimo party has been in power since 1975, and opposition leader Venancio Mondlane’s claims of electoral fraud have fueled protests across the nation, highlighting the significant tensions between the ruling party and various opposition groups. The escalating violence reflects deep-seated political grievances and the challenges facing democratic processes in the country.
In summary, the violent aftermath of the recent presidential election in Mozambique has resulted in significant casualties and widespread unrest. With confirmed deaths reaching 125 in a mere three days, and an ongoing situation of violence and arrests, the political landscape remains tense. The opposition’s claims of electoral fraud and the government’s heavy-handed response underscore serious issues surrounding governance and civil rights in Mozambique.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
