CAPE TOWN, South Africa — In a troubling development, Mozambique’s security forces reportedly killed at least 10 children and injured many more while attempting to quell weeks of unrest that erupted following a controversial presidential election, according to Human Rights Watch.

The aftermath of the election, held on October 9, has seen hundreds of minors taken into custody by security forces, with some detained for several days, which contravenes international law. This situation has escalated since results were released about a month ago, further fueling tensions in the country.

The unrest in Mozambique is largely rooted in the announcement that the ruling party’s candidate, Daniel Chapo, won the election on October 24. This outcome has been met with claims of electoral fraud from opposition parties, as well as criticism from international observers, including a delegation from the European Union.

While the government has not disclosed specific figures regarding the fatalities or arrests associated with the protests, officials acknowledged that certain demonstrations became violent and necessitated intervention by security forces. Chapo’s election extends the Front for the Liberation of Mozambique party’s (Frelimo) uninterrupted governance since the nation gained independence from Portugal in 1975. He is set to take over from President Filipe Nyusi, who has reached the limit of two terms in office.

Frelimo has a history of being accused of manipulating elections to maintain its grip on power. Last year’s local elections also witnessed violent protests, but the current demonstrations represent the most significant challenge to the party’s long-standing rule.

The protests escalated in Maputo, the capital, and other urban areas after the assassination of two high-profile opposition figures on October 18, an act their party has termed a political killing. Following this incident, thousands have turned out for protests regularly called via social media by independent presidential candidate Venancio Mondlane, who was defeated by Chapo in the election. Due to safety concerns, Mondlane has since fled the country, especially after his lawyer was among those murdered in a targeted shooting in Maputo.

Rights groups claim that upwards of 30 individuals have died as security forces shot live rounds at demonstrators, while local organizations report that the death toll may be as high as 50. Earlier this month, the Mozambique Bar Association announced that it had helped free over 2,700 people detained during the protests, many of them minors.

The ongoing demonstrations have forced the closure of schools and businesses, compelling numerous Mozambicans to stay indoors. In response, the army has been deployed to restore order across various regions.