Mozambique’s government has imposed a ban on protests following weeks of violent unrest sparked by the country’s disputed presidential election results. The ban, announced by the Interior Minister Pascoal Ronda, has been described as a necessary step to restore public order after a wave of violent clashes between protesters and the police. At least 18 people have been reported killed, with human rights organizations such as Human Rights Watch suggesting that the actual death toll could be even higher, possibly exceeding 30.
The unrest began shortly after last month’s election, which saw the ruling party, Frelimo, retain control of the presidency. Daniel Chapo, the Frelimo candidate, was officially declared the winner with more than 71% of the vote, sparking immediate backlash from opposition groups and citizens who allege that the election was neither free nor fair. Venâncio Mondlane, the leader of the main opposition group, stood in second place with 20% of the vote and has claimed the results were rigged. His political aide and lawyer were reportedly killed as they were preparing to challenge the election results. Mondlane himself went into hiding due to fears for his safety, further escalating tensions across the country.
The protests, initially focused in Maputo, the capital, turned into a sustained campaign of defiance against the government. Demonstrators, primarily made up of opposition supporters, have blocked roads, set fires, and clashed with security forces. In response to the increasing violence, the government deployed soldiers last week to restore order, particularly during the large-scale protests that erupted on October 9. Security forces have used rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse crowds, while some protesters have retaliated by launching stones and barricading key streets.
Interior Minister Ronda has referred to the protests as “acts of terrorism” rather than demonstrations, emphasizing the disruption they caused to daily life in Maputo and other cities. “I no longer call these protests, I call them acts of subversion and terrorism because they terrorize people and children,” Ronda said. He pointed to the economic disruption, claiming that ordinary people were unable to conduct business or go to work due to the violence. The minister also accused protest organizers of using “drugged” youth to destabilize the country, claiming that the government would fight crime and restore order.
In addition to the protest ban, the Mozambican government has restricted access to the internet in an apparent effort to limit the flow of information and suppress public dissent. This move has been condemned by Human Rights Watch, which described it as an attempt to “suppress peaceful protests and public criticism of the government.” The internet restrictions have left many citizens in the dark about the ongoing situation, as they are unable to access independent news sources.
The violence has attracted international attention, with concerns raised over the detention of journalists. Two South African journalists covering the protests in Maputo were detained by the authorities under unclear circumstances. Their employer, News Central TV, issued a statement expressing concern over the journalists’ detention and calling for their immediate release. Efforts to contact the journalists have been unsuccessful, raising further fears about the safety of the press in the country.
The ongoing unrest is not only a challenge for the Mozambican government but also a sign of the deep political divisions within the country. Opposition groups and observers continue to argue that the election process was flawed and that the government’s actions in the aftermath of the polls are fueling further instability. As the government moves to quash protests and regain control, Mozambique’s political future remains uncertain, with calls for reform and transparency likely to persist amid the unrest.
