Riot police in Mozambique’s capital, Maputo, used tear gas to disperse protesters who were demonstrating against alleged electoral fraud days after two opposition allies were shot dead. The heavily armed police fired handguns towards the crowd, resulting in injuries to two journalists and a security guard. Opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, who ran for president in the recent election, had called for a general strike to contest early results showing the ruling Frelimo party ahead. Tensions escalated following the shooting deaths of two Mondlane associates, lawyer Elvino Dias and Paulo Guambe of the Podemos party.
The European Union, African Union, and United Nations condemned the violence in Mozambique and urged authorities to identify the perpetrators. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on Mozambicans to remain calm, exercise restraint, and reject all forms of violence. The African Union Commission expressed deep concern over the reported cases of post-election violence and killings. The electoral commission in Mozambique has stayed silent on accusations of fraud, with official results from the presidential and parliamentary elections still pending. US-based observers noted that the election did not meet international standards for democratic elections due to reports of vote buying, intimidation, and inflated voter rolls.
President Filipe Nyusi is stepping down after two terms, with his party’s candidate, Daniel Chapo, expected to win the election. Other presidential candidates included Ossufo Momade of the main opposition party Renamo and Lutero Simango of the Mozambique Democratic Movement. Mondlane, who has claimed victory, declared the general protest a success with 95% of private and public services across the country paralyzed. The strike was observed in various cities including Chimoio, Nampula, Beira, and Maputo. The low turnout in the election could potentially impact the legitimacy of the vote.
The opposition leader, Venancio Mondlane, known as “Venancio,” was among those dispersed by the riot police during the protest. He shared a video on Facebook showing him running away from tear gas surrounded by supporters. Mondlane reported that police attempted to prevent him from attending the demonstration, with officers present at his doorstep for an hour before he could leave his house. Political tensions in Mozambique have been high following the shooting deaths of Mondlane’s associates, Elvino Dias and Paulo Guambe. While police have launched an investigation into the killings, they have not confirmed the identities of the victims.
Shops in Maputo were closed during the protest, and helicopters were seen hovering above the city with reports of police firing tear gas to disperse the crowd. The opposition leader, Mondlane, has been vocal in his criticism of the election results and has called for transparency and accountability in the electoral process. Despite concerns raised by international observers about the conduct of the election, the ruling Frelimo party remains ahead in the early results. The situation in Mozambique remains tense as the country awaits official results from the elections, with concerns about potential unrest and violence lingering.