Violence has erupted in Mozambique after a court ruling confirmed Daniel Chapo as the winner of disputed elections held on October 9. At least 21 people, including two police officers, have been killed in the violence, which was sparked by protests led by mostly youthful supporters of losing candidate Venancio Mondlane.
The country’s interior minister, Pascoal Ronda, reported that 236 acts of violence were recorded in 24 hours, resulting in 21 deaths. Thirteen civilians and 12 police officers were also injured. Several vehicles were set on fire, including two from the police, while a penitentiary was attacked and vandalized, releasing 86 inmates.
Tensions had been high in Mozambique ahead of the Constitutional Council’s ruling on Monday, which was met with immediate violent protests. Footage on social media showed protesters burning and looting shops in Maputo and Beira. Mondlane has called for a nationwide “shutdown” starting Friday, and his supporters have taken to the streets, sometimes facing gunfire from security forces.
Since the initial results were announced, over 150 people have died from post-election violence. The country of 34 million people remains on edge as the situation continues to unfold.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/24/world/africa/mozambique-election-violence.html