MAPUTO, Mozambique — Security forces have reportedly killed over 100 individuals, including children, during ongoing protests following the recent elections in Mozambique, according to various rights and civil society organizations. Demonstrations have persisted for nearly two months, exacerbated by the contentious nature of the electoral process.
The leader of the main opposition party has rallied supporters to stage additional protests against what he describes as a fraudulent election orchestrated by the ruling Frelimo party. Tensions escalated on October 18 following the assassination of two key opposition figures who were shot while in their vehicle. These killings were deemed political assassinations by their party, significantly heightening public unrest in the wake of the disputed presidential election that took place on October 9.
Since the onset of protests on October 21, a civil society organization known as Plataforma Eleitoral Decide notes that 110 individuals have lost their lives during the unrest. The fatalities included 34 deaths reported between December 4 and December 10, highlighting the persistence of demonstrations against Frelimo’s long-standing governance, which has not wavered in nearly 50 years.
Amnesty International has corroborated these figures, indicating that the death toll is part of a broader pattern of violence involving security forces that have reportedly shot 357 people amid the protests. In addition, more than 3,500 individuals have faced arbitrary arrest, raising severe concerns about human rights abuses in the country.
Organizations advocating for civil rights have vehemently condemned the Mozambican government for what they characterize as a harsh response to what began as peaceful demonstrations opposing the election. International observers have also documented various irregularities associated with the electoral process.
The Frelimo party’s candidate, Daniel Chapo, emerged as the victor in the elections, slated to replace incumbent President Filipe Nyusi, who is nearing the end of his second term. Chapo’s inauguration is scheduled for January 15. However, the results remain unconfirmed by the Constitutional Council, with legal challenges mounted by opposition groups still pending.
Frelimo has faced previous allegations of election manipulation, including claims of ballot stuffing and the presence of biased officials during voting processes, notably in local elections last year, which similarly led to protests.
The current wave of demonstrations represents one of the most significant challenges to Frelimo’s authority since the nation gained independence from Portugal in 1975. Protesters have taken to the streets in their thousands, obstructing roads, igniting tires, and torching police stations and Frelimo offices in Maputo and other cities, effectively paralyzing parts of Mozambique. In response, the military has been deployed amidst the civil unrest.
Authorities describe the protests as violent and claim a need to quell the dissent. However, human rights groups accuse law enforcement of excessive force, which has only fueled public outrage. Instances of excessive violence have been reported, including footage capturing soldiers driving into a peaceful protester, which the army claimed was an accident. This incident has been condemned by international figures, including officials from the United States and the United Kingdom.
Venancio Mondlane, the opposition leader who finished second in the elections, has fled the country out of concern for his safety, yet continues to amplify his message through social media, urging citizens to keep the protests alive. He announced the forthcoming phase of demonstrations, stating, “If the regime still wants to maintain the election results, if the fraudsters want to maintain the idea of establishing another illegal, illegitimate and unelected government, we will have no alternative.”
