MAPUTO, Mozambique — The confirmation of ruling Frelimo party’s presidential candidate, Daniel Chapo, as the victor of the contentious elections held on October 9 sparked widespread violence in Mozambique, leading to the deaths of at least 21 individuals, including two police officers, according to reports from local authorities on Tuesday.

During a press briefing in Maputo, Interior Minister Pascoal Ronda explained that the recent wave of chaos and looting erupted following the court’s ruling a day earlier. The disturbances were predominantly instigated by supporters of the losing candidate, Venancio Mondlane, who garnered 24% of the votes, significantly trailing Chapo, who received 65%.

Ronda provided an overview of the situation, stating that within the past 24 hours, there had been 236 incidents of violence recorded nationwide, resulting in 21 fatalities, including two members of the Mozambique police force. Moreover, he reported that 13 civilians and 12 police personnel sustained injuries amidst the turmoil.

The violence extended to the arson of 25 vehicles, among which were two police cars. Ronda also indicated that 11 police stations and a prison were subject to attacks, resulting in the escape of 86 inmates.

In the lead-up to the Constitutional Council’s ruling on Monday, tensions had escalated significantly, and violent demonstrations ensued promptly after the announcement. Videos shared across various social media platforms depicted scenes of protesters engaging in the destruction and looting of shops in Maputo and Beira, prompting reports of city officials fleeing the affected areas.

Mondlane has since called for a “shutdown” commencing Friday, though the violence has already intensified, leaving the capital in a precarious state on Tuesday evening following a day filled with unrest and looting instigated by demonstrators.

As a nation of approximately 34 million grapples with the aftermath of the elections, the atmosphere remains charged. Supporters of Mondlane, predominantly many young individuals, have taken to the streets, often encountering armed responses from law enforcement.

Since the initial election results were revealed by Mozambique’s electoral authority, the total death toll from the ensuing violence has surpassed 150 individuals.