Mozambique Protests Turn Deadly: Three Killed and Dozens Injured in Opposition Clashes

Mozambique is grappling with widespread unrest following last month’s disputed election, with deadly protests against the ruling Frelimo party escalating. At least three people were killed and 66 others injured in clashes between protesters and police on Thursday, marking the deadliest day of protests since the election results were announced. The fatalities, reported by Mozambique’s largest hospital, bring the toll of deaths related to post-election protests to a staggering 18, though some human rights groups claim the number could be as high as 34.

The violence broke out in Maputo, the nation’s capital, as demonstrators, mostly youth, took to the streets in defiance of what they describe as a fraudulent election. The October 9 poll saw Frelimo, which has ruled the country since 1975, declared the winner by a wide margin. However, the opposition, along with civil society organizations and international observers, has questioned the integrity of the vote, alleging widespread irregularities and manipulation. These claims have sparked a wave of protests across the country, with the most intense demonstrations occurring this week.

Protesters, chanting slogans like “Frelimo must fall,” barricaded streets with burning tires and threw rocks at police. The confrontations quickly turned violent, as police responded with force. Witnesses reported seeing officers firing shots into the air and in the direction of the crowd, though not directly at protesters. This has raised concerns about the police’s use of excessive force. Human rights groups, such as Amnesty International, have previously condemned the Mozambican police for employing live ammunition against political dissidents, a practice that has now resurfaced in the wake of the election.

At Maputo Central Hospital, where the injured were rushed for treatment, Dr. Dino Lopes, the director of the adult emergency service, revealed the extent of the injuries. Of the 66 wounded, 57 were believed to be caused by gunfire, while others sustained injuries from physical aggression, falls, or sharp objects. Most of the victims were young adults aged between 25 and 35, with several victims as young as 15. The violence has shocked the country, which has seen sporadic protests in the past, but nothing on this scale.

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The unrest comes on the heels of accusations that the October election was marred by vote manipulation. The opposition parties have insisted that the electoral process was rigged in favor of Frelimo, and many Mozambicans are voicing their frustration with a political system that they believe has sidelined the will of the people. In response to the growing dissatisfaction, the Constitutional Council of Mozambique has requested clarification from the National Electoral Commission about discrepancies in the vote count. However, the Frelimo government has yet to provide a substantial response to these concerns.

The violence has also placed international attention on the state of Mozambique’s democracy. While the country has been lauded for its peaceful transition from a civil war to democratic elections in recent decades, the current crisis is a stark reminder of the tensions that remain unresolved. Civil society groups and international observers have called for an independent investigation into the election results and the handling of the protests.

The government, however, maintains that the police’s actions were justified. The interior minister defended the use of force, claiming it was necessary to restore public order. This stance has only heightened fears that the government is unwilling to address the underlying issues fueling the unrest.

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The situation in Mozambique remains tense as the country continues to grapple with a political crisis. With the opposition vowing to keep up the pressure, the coming days could see even more intense clashes if the government fails to address the grievances of those who feel disenfranchised. As Mozambique teeters on the edge of deeper instability, the world watches closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the growing unrest.