Mozambique Faces Deadly Violence After Controversial Election Results

Mozambique has witnessed violent clashes resulting in 125 deaths over three days following the confirmation of Daniel Chapo’s presidential election victory. Protests turned to riots as opposition leaders claimed electoral fraud. The unrest has led to mass arrests and significant civil unrest in major cities, raising concerns for national stability.

In Mozambique, escalating violence following the recent presidential elections has claimed the lives of approximately 125 individuals within just three days, according to reports from a non-governmental organization (NGO) released on Thursday. The unrest erupted after the country’s highest court confirmed the victory of Daniel Chapo of the ruling Frelimo party, who secured 65.17 percent of the votes amid allegations of election irregularities raised by international observers.

The aftermath of the election results has witnessed numerous protests led by opposition groups, often resulting in violent confrontations with law enforcement officials, widespread property damage, and looting of businesses. The government initially reported 21 fatalities during the first 24 hours of protests, but the situation has deteriorated significantly.

Plataforma Decide, the NGO monitoring the violence, indicated that the total fatalities since the onset of the unrest in October has reached 252. The impact of the violence has been felt particularly in the vicinity of the capital, Maputo, and in the northern provinces, including Nampula and Beira, where the intensity of protests has surged.

Additionally, a mass jailbreak was reported near Maputo, resulting in clashes that left at least 33 inmates dead as they attempted to escape. Over 4,000 people have been arrested since October, including 137 individuals detained in the most recent spate of violence. The exiled opposition leader, Venancio Mondlane, has accused the government of manipulating the unrest to impose a state of emergency and suppress legitimate protests. While barricades around Maputo appeared to be diminishing, significant disruptions to public transport persisted, reflecting the ongoing tensions across the nation.

The unrest in Mozambique is rooted in the recent presidential elections held on October 9, where allegations of irregularities and misconduct have been prevalent. Daniel Chapo, representing the long-standing Frelimo party, secured a contested victory, prompting immediate backlash from opposition supporters. The violence that ensued underscores broader concerns regarding political stability, human rights, and governance in a nation grappling with post-colonial challenges. The sporadic protests have escalated into a national crisis, highlighting the urgent need for dialogue and resolution amidst widespread discontent.

In summary, Mozambique is experiencing significant turmoil following the recent presidential elections, with the violence claiming 125 lives in just three days. The confirmation of Daniel Chapo’s victory amid allegations of electoral fraud has sparked widespread unrest, leading to numerous deaths, injuries, and arrests. As the opposition continues to challenge the legitimacy of the elections, the situation remains precarious, necessitating urgent attention from both domestic and international stakeholders to restore peace and order.

Original Source: www.rfi.fr