Protests Erupt in Mozambique Over Alleged Electoral Fraud, Police Fire Tear Gas

 

In the capital city of Mozambique, Maputo, riot police used tear gas to break up protests against alleged electoral fraud following the October 9 presidential election. The unrest comes just days after two allies of opposition leader Venancio Mondlane were shot dead, further intensifying tensions in the country.

Hundreds of protesters, including journalists, were forced to scatter as heavily armed officers moved in. According to reports from Reuters, some police officers discharged handguns while dispersing the crowd. Two journalists and a security guard were hit by bullets but did not sustain serious injuries, according to Adriano Nuvunga, head of Mozambique’s Centre for Democracy and Human Rights.

The protests were sparked by early election results indicating that the ruling Frelimo party was leading. Mondlane, who had run for president, called for a general strike in response to these early results. The protests saw widespread closures of shops in Maputo, and helicopters were seen flying overhead.

Mondlane himself was caught up in the confrontation. He posted a video on Facebook showing him running from tear gas with his supporters and later explained that police had tried to prevent him from leaving his home to attend the demonstration.

Tensions escalated over the weekend when two of Mondlane’s associates, lawyer Elvino Dias and Paulo Guambe, a candidate from the Podemos party, were shot and killed in their car in Maputo. Police have launched an investigation into the killings, but they have yet to confirm the identities of the victims.

International organizations, including the European Union, African Union, and United Nations, have condemned the violence. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged all Mozambicans to remain calm and avoid further violence, while the African Union expressed concern over the increasing post-election clashes.

While Mozambique’s electoral commission has not commented on allegations of fraud, US-based observers have noted several irregularities, including reports of vote buying and intimidation. Official election results are still pending, but the ruling Frelimo party’s candidate, Daniel Chapo, is expected to win the presidency.

Mondlane, who has already declared victory, said that Monday’s strike was a success, claiming that the country was largely “paralyzed,” with major cities such as Chimoio, Nampula, Beira, and Maputo all participating in the protest.