Violence Erupts in Mozambique After Disputed Election Results

Mozambique is grappling with ongoing protests and violent clashes following last month’s controversial presidential election, which saw Daniel Chapo of the ruling Frelimo party declared the winner with 71% of the vote. Opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane, who contested the results, has accused the government of electoral fraud, sparking a wave of demonstrations and a violent crackdown by security forces. At least 30 people have been killed, with scores injured, as protests continue to escalate across the country.

Protests and Violence Continue Across Mozambique

The unrest began in late October after Chapo’s victory was announced, with Mondlane, the runner-up, alleging that the election results were rigged. Mondlane has been in hiding since before the results were officially released, citing threats to his safety after the murder of his lawyer and an aide who were preparing to challenge the election results.

The protests have led to violent clashes between demonstrators and the police, with security forces firing live ammunition and rubber bullets to disperse crowds. Human Rights Watch has reported at least 18 fatalities in the protests, and the death toll continues to rise. In addition to the violence, the Mozambican government has restricted access to social media platforms in an attempt to curb the organisation of protests.

Disruption at the Border with South Africa

In response to the violence and security concerns, South Africa temporarily closed the Lebombo border crossing between the two countries, one of the busiest in southern Africa. Reports from the Mozambican side of the border indicated that vehicles had been torched and roads barricaded by demonstrators. However, after negotiations, South African authorities partially reopened the crossing for cargo movement, but the safety of travellers remains a significant concern.

The closure of the border has had a severe economic impact, particularly on southern Mozambique, which relies heavily on imports from South Africa. The Mozambican Tax Authority has reported food shortages as a result of the border shutdown, highlighting the growing economic strain in the region due to the protests.

Call for Further Protests and Economic Impact

Mondlane, now believed to be in South Africa, continues to rally his supporters through social media, calling for further protests and a “paralysis” of the nation to demand justice for what he claims is a stolen election. His call has included urging truck drivers to block roads at the border, exacerbating the already tense situation.

Violence Erupts in Mozambique After Disputed Election Results

Violence Erupts in Mozambique After Disputed Election Results

Violence Erupts in Mozambique After Disputed Election Results – ALFREDO ZUNIGA / AFP

Violence Erupts in Mozambique After Disputed Election Results – ALFREDO ZUNIGA / AFP

The economic toll of the unrest is substantial. According to the Centre for Public Integrity (CIP), the protests have cost Mozambique approximately 2% of its GDP. The tourism sector has been particularly hard hit, with foreign tourists cancelling bookings due to the instability. The Confederation of Economic Associations has also reported that businesses in the country, especially in tourism and hospitality, are facing severe losses as a result of the protests.

Human Rights Violations and International Response

The heavy-handed response by Mozambique’s security forces has drawn widespread condemnation from human rights groups. Police have been accused of using live ammunition against protesters, while several opposition figures, including Mondlane, have accused the government of politically motivated violence. In Maputo, Mozambique’s largest hospital reported dozens of gunshot injuries and deaths, many of them young people caught in the protests.

International observers have also weighed in, with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) planning to discuss the situation next week. The unrest has drawn attention from foreign governments, with demonstrations outside Mozambican embassies in countries like Portugal, Angola, and Brazil, signalling growing international concern over the crisis.

A Call for Justice and Peace

As Mozambique continues to struggle with post-election violence, the demand for electoral transparency and justice grows louder. Mondlane, along with other opposition leaders, has vowed to continue the fight for what he describes as “electoral truth.” The Constitutional Court has yet to validate the election results, and with opposition parties contesting the outcome, the legitimacy of Chapo’s victory remains under scrutiny.

The situation in Mozambique remains fluid, with no clear resolution in sight. As the country faces the twin challenges of political unrest and economic instability, the international community is watching closely, urging all parties to work toward a peaceful resolution that respects the will of the people.