At least 56 people have been killed in clashes between police officers and protesters in Mozambique, a nongovernmental organization reported on Wednesday. The violence erupted after the nation’s top court upheld the result of the presidential election, which demonstrators claim was rigged by the governing party.
The protests began after the election in October, with human rights groups saying that Mozambique’s security forces have responded with excessive force, including firing live rounds and rubber bullets into crowds. The opposition candidate, Venâncio Mondlane, has asserted that he won the election and is calling for a national shutdown and street protests.
The unrest has led to widespread destruction, including damaged or looted buildings, schools, hospitals, and homes. Police Commander Bernardino Rafael confirmed that over 1,500 prisoners escaped from Maputo Central Prison, resulting in the deaths of 33 inmates and injuries to 15 others.
Tensions have escalated due to concerns about irregularities in the election process, with demonstrators arguing that those issues helped tip the poll in favor of Daniel Chapo, the ruling party candidate. Despite this, the Constitutional Council certified the results on Monday, stating that Mr. Chapo had won 65% of the vote and Mr. Mondlane 24%.
The situation has sparked fears of shortages, including at gas stations and supermarkets, with residents forming “vigilante” groups to protect their neighborhoods. The chaos threatens further problems for Mozambique’s troubled economy, which is already struggling with high unemployment and poverty.
South Africa has sought to fortify its border with Mozambique to prevent any violence from spilling over, and the country’s foreign minister has called on all parties to commit to an urgent dialogue that will heal the country.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/25/world/africa/mozambique-protests-election.html