Thousands protested in Mozambique’s capital, Maputo, on Thursday as unrest intensified after the Oct. 9 presidential election. Security forces responded with tear gas and rubber bullets. The protests erupted after the ruling party, Frelimo, was accused of election rigging, allowing it to maintain power for over 50 years.
Opposition parties and many citizens called the election results “fraudulent.” The protest on Thursday was the largest yet. According to international rights groups, police have killed at least 20 people since the unrest began, while local organizations claim the toll exceeds 50. Authorities threatened to deploy the army as protesters set fires and targeted ruling party offices.
Human Rights Watch reported that “the internet is restricted and social media sites have been blocked.” Neighboring South Africa has heightened security and closed its border post with Mozambique.
Cause of Discontent
The ruling party’s candidate, Daniel Chapo, was declared the winner on Oct. 24. This result extends Frelimo’s hold on power, which began after Mozambique gained independence from Portugal in 1975. Even before the results, opposition parties alleged fraud, accusing Frelimo of “ballot stuffing” and manipulating voter lists.
The European Union’s observer team noted irregularities, with some results reportedly altered. The Constitutional Council has asked the electoral commission to explain discrepancies in the vote.
Independent candidate Venancio Mondlane, who placed second, led the criticism. He called for a national strike after the election. The situation escalated on Oct. 18 when two senior opposition figures were murdered. Mondlane claimed, “They were assassinated,” adding to the fears among opposition supporters.
After those killings, protests surged across Mozambique. In one instance, demonstrators toppled a statue of President Filipe Nyusi, who is nearing the end of his two-term limit. Mondlane has gone into hiding, stating, “I fear for my life.” His current whereabouts are unknown, but he urged people on social media: “We must protest to free ourselves from these 50 years of shackles.“
Authorities have responded maximally, saying protests have become “violent and needed to be quelled.”
Mozambique’s history has been one of brutal civil war and ongoing violence. The country faces current challenges from entrenched political power and an ongoing insurgency in the northern province of Cabo Delgado.
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