Mozambican police deploy in the streets of Nampula, Chiure and Tete, during the ongoing protest. Image: Getty images
(The Post News)- Mozambicans are suffering severe consequences due to heightened violence in the aftermath of the election. Violence erupted last Monday when police shot the supporters of 50-year-old opposition candidate Venancio Mondlane. As of Friday, Human Rights Watch reported that a minimum of 11 individuals had lost their lives, with several others being hurt, including a law enforcement officer, and approximately 400 individuals being held in custody.
Most Mozambicans, primarily young people, who comprise two-thirds of the country’s 35 million residents, saw October 9 as an opportunity to eliminate Frelimo. The party has been in power in the country since gaining independence from Portugal in 1975 following a violent rebellion. It engaged in a civil conflict against the Renamo party (Mozambican National Resistance) from 1977 to 1992.
Analysts anticipated Mondlane’s popularity with young voters in the election would result in a tight race, although President Nyusi, who had already served two terms, was expected to pass the presidency to his Frelimo colleague, Chapo, without much uncertainty. Despite being 47 years old, Chapo emphasized his youth during his campaigns and attempted to attract young individuals by making promises of ‘change’, although many were not persuaded.
The polling numbers were being gathered by the National Election Commission (CNE) in the peaceful days following Election Day on October 9. Next, watchdogs such as the African Union, the European Union, and the local group of Catholic bishops reported allegations of ballot tampering, fake voters, and manipulated voter registration documents.
On October 24, in expectation of the election results, Mondlane’s followers once more filled the streets nationwide and confronted law enforcement. Some individuals hurled stones and twigs. Other individuals targeted government structures and set fire to a single police station. Some Frelimo politicians’ residences were also attacked.
The police used bullets and tear gas in their response. Rights groups report that the highest number of fatalities and injuries occurred on October 24 and 25. A single officer sustained an injury.
Earlier this week, Mondlane asked other opposition parties to come together and urged Frelimo to establish a national unity government, following the example of South Africa, where the ANC had to enter a coalition after not securing a majority in the recent elections.
Meanwhile, messages of congratulations from foreign leaders such as South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa and China’s Xi Jinping continue to come in, making Chapo appear increasingly likely to become president.
However, Chissungo in Maputo mentioned that young demonstrators are still resolute. Many have felt a lack of respect from politicians for a long time, she said, and these protests come across as a form of freedom.
About the Author
