MAPUTO, Mozambique — In response to the recent wave of protests against the ruling party, Mozambique has deployed military personnel in urban areas to maintain civil order. This deployment comes in the wake of accusations against the government of manipulating last month’s elections in order to prolong their nearly five-decade grip on power.
General Omar Saranga, spokesperson for the armed forces, confirmed the decision during a press conference late Thursday night. He indicated that soldiers would collaborate with police forces to ensure public safety and order, noting that troops have already been positioned in various locations. The atmosphere in the country is tense, with heightened security around the presidential palace and increased patrols by security forces throughout the streets. Many residents are opting to stay indoors due to the unrest.
“Our responsibilities in these circumstances extend to supporting law enforcement in maintaining peace and public order,” stated Saranga, acknowledging the demonstrations erupting in different parts of the country.
On Thursday, demonstrators in the capital, Maputo, participated in what has become the largest protest since the October 9 elections. Protesters barricaded roads and started fires as police responded by deploying tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd.
Following the elections, the ruling Frelimo party’s candidate, Daniel Chapo, was announced as the winner, further solidifying the party’s longstanding dominance since Mozambique gained independence from Portugal in 1975. Opposition leaders have accused Frelimo of engaging in election fraud, specifically ballot box tampering, while international observers have highlighted numerous irregularities during the voting process, suggesting that the elections did not meet standards for being fair and free. The Constitutional Council has yet to validate the election results, which is a necessary step for their official acknowledgment.
Current President Filipe Nyusi, having reached his term limit, will be stepping down, paving the way for new leadership within Frelimo.
Protests erupted shortly after the election results were announced, eliciting a strong response from law enforcement. Human rights organizations have accused police of employing lethal force against peaceful protesters, resulting in at least 20 confirmed deaths, although local groups believe the actual numbers are much higher.
The situation became more volatile following the assassination of two prominent opposition members, including a lawyer and a party spokesperson, who were shot at least 25 times by unidentified assailants while in their vehicle, as reported by their political party.
In response to the unrest, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) plans to hold a special summit later this month, where Mozambique’s situation will be prominently discussed. Additionally, neighboring South Africa has tightened security measures at its main border crossing with Mozambique, reflecting growing regional concerns.