At least 21 people, including two police officers, have been killed in Mozambique within the past 24 hours due to violent protests following the ruling Frelimo party’s confirmed victory in the recent elections, Interior Minister Pascoal Ronda reported on Tuesday.
The Constitutional Council upheld the Frelimo party’s win on Monday, reaffirming its decades-long grip on power since 1975. This decision, following the contentious October 9 presidential election, has intensified ongoing unrest.
Minister Ronda disclosed that 236 significant acts of violence had been documented nationwide, leaving 25 individuals injured, including 13 police officers. “Armed groups wielding blades and firearms have targeted police stations, prisons, and other facilities,” Ronda stated during a press briefing. Over 70 individuals have been arrested in connection with the unrest, he added.
Escalating Tensions in the Capital
Maputo, the capital, experienced violent clashes as protesters confronted police. Armored vehicles patrolled the city while scattered groups of demonstrators threw projectiles, set fires, and erected makeshift roadblocks. Skirmishes intensified Monday evening, shortly after the court’s decision declared Frelimo’s Daniel Chapo the election winner.
Opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, who remains in exile, has denounced the election as fraudulent, fueling fears of escalating violence between supporters of rival political factions.
Widespread Destruction and Disruption
Shops, banks, and supermarkets across Maputo were looted, vandalized, and in some cases, set ablaze. Essential services were severely disrupted, with Maputo Central Hospital operating under critical conditions due to staff shortages. Its director, Mouzinho Saide, reported nearly 90 injury admissions, including 40 firearm-related cases.
Roadblocks and burning tyres have rendered major routes to Maputo, neighboring Matola, and the airport nearly impassable. Most residents remained indoors, while public transport ground to a halt, leaving only ambulances and funeral vehicles operational.
Unrest Spreads Across the North
The unrest has spread to northern regions, including Cabo Delgado, Nampula, Zambezia, and Tete—areas where the opposition enjoys strong support. Local media reported incidents of violence and vandalism, adding to the death toll, which has surpassed 100 since the election.
Opposition leader Mondlane, known locally as “Venancio,” called for unity in a social media post, urging citizens to demand “electoral truth.” He accused the Constitutional Council of legitimizing fraud and declared his intent to establish a “People’s Constitutional Court” to recognize him as the rightful president.
Calls for Reconciliation
Amid the chaos, President-elect Daniel Chapo sought to strike a conciliatory tone, promising dialogue with all parties, including his chief rival. Chapo is set to take office in mid-January, but the country remains on edge as post-election tensions continue to simmer.
