Smoke and chaos filled the streets of Maputo Friday evening as supporters of opposition presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane staged protests against the controversial results of Mozambique’s October elections. Demonstrators lit tyres ablaze and blocked key roads in the capital, sparking violent clashes with security forces.
Reports from Mozambique’s police confirmed at least five fatalities and three severe injuries during the unrest, which spread across the provinces of Maputo, Nampula, and Zambezia. However, Plataforma Eleitoral Decide, a local NGO monitoring the situation, contested the official figures, alleging that the death toll has climbed to at least 88 since the demonstrations began.
Protesters voiced frustration and concern over what they see as an erosion of democracy. João Tembe, a protester, highlighted the underlying motivations behind the unrest, saying:
“The soldiers show strength and say they’re with us. They wear masks because they fear the ‘superior order,’ but they still support our cause. My protest is not vandalism; it’s about the future of young people and what will become of them tomorrow.”
Others criticized the government’s crackdown on peaceful demonstrations. Luciano Michele, another demonstrator, remarked:
“You take someone to jail just for holding a peaceful demonstration. Why arrest them?”
The protests are a direct response to the disputed election results, with Mondlane’s supporters demanding transparency and justice in the political process. As tensions escalate, observers warn of the potential ramifications for Mozambique’s fragile democracy.
The government has yet to respond to calls for dialogue, leaving the country’s political stability in question amid growing fears of further unrest.
