In a significant escalation of civil unrest, police in Mozambique have deployed tear gas and rubber bullets against protesters in the capital, Maputo, as well as in other cities, following the controversial results of the October 9 presidential election. The ruling party, FRELIMO, declared victory amid widespread allegations of electoral fraud and violence.
The protests, which have intensified over the past weeks, were sparked by the announcement that FRELIMO's Daniel Chapo won approximately 71% of the votes. Opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, who claims he was the rightful winner with substantial support from disillusioned youth and civil society groups, has called for sustained demonstrations against what he describes as a fraudulent electoral process.
On Thursday, thousands gathered in Maputo for what has been termed the "Day of Freedom," with many attempting to march toward the city center. Eyewitness reports indicate that police responded aggressively, firing tear gas into crowds and using rubber bullets to disperse demonstrators. This has led to fears of escalating violence; human rights organizations report that at least 18 individuals have died due to police actions since the election.
"The use of excessive force by security forces is alarming and raises serious concerns about human rights violations in Mozambique," stated a representative from Human Rights Watch. "The authorities must respect citizens' rights to peaceful assembly and expression."
In addition to physical confrontations, the Mozambican government has imposed internet restrictions aimed at limiting communication among protestors and suppressing dissent. Social media platforms have been blocked, complicating efforts for organizers to coordinate protests.
The international community has expressed concern regarding the state of democracy in Mozambique. Observers from the European Union and other organizations have documented numerous irregularities during the election process and called for a thorough investigation into the allegations of fraud.