In Mozambique, opposition groups intensified their challenge to the October 9 presidential election results with the largest protest yet against the ruling FRELIMO party, held in the capital, Maputo, on Thursday, media reported.
Thursday’s protests, part of a seven-day strike beginning October 31, saw confrontations between protesters and police forces, resulting in three reported fatalities and 66 injuries, as confirmed by Maputo Central Hospital. Police used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse crowds attempting to move from Maputo’s Maxaquene neighborhood toward the city center, according to media.
Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, report that since late October, more than 20 people have lost their lives in protests, with hundreds more injured or detained.
Thousands of supporters of opposition candidate Venancio Mondlane gathered to dispute President Daniel Chapo’s victory, who got 70.67% of the vote, according to the National Elections Commission. Mondlane, who placed second with 20.32%, has called for national demonstrations, questioning the election’s integrity while the results await confirmation by the Constitutional Council.
FRELIMO has expressed concern over the protests, describing them as an attempt to destabilize Mozambique’s political structure. Party spokesperson Alcinda de Abreu stated on national television that calls for further demonstrations represent a potential threat to democratic governance, referring to them as an “attempted coup.” Security forces have reportedly indicated that the situation is “under control,” with General Omar Saranga commenting on the general stability of the nation despite the ongoing unrest.
Meanwhile, Mondlane, now reportedly outside the country, continues to urge supporters to demonstrate until what he calls the “electoral truth” is confirmed.