The aftermath of Mozambique’s recent presidential election has escalated into violent unrest, leaving 21 dead, including two police officers, and sparking widespread concern from the international community, including the European Union. The violence follows the Constitutional Council’s confirmation of Daniel Chapo’s victory in the disputed 9 October presidential elections, a decision that has ignited protests across major cities.
Wave of Violence Erupts Across Mozambique
Interior Minister Pascoal Ronda addressed a press conference in Maputo on Tuesday, attributing the unrest to the court’s ruling announced the previous day. According to Ronda, the violence was primarily instigated by supporters of Venâncio Mondlane, the opposition candidate who garnered 24% of the vote, compared to Chapo’s decisive 65% victory.
“In the last 24 hours, we have recorded 236 violent incidents nationwide, resulting in 21 fatalities, including two police officers,” Ronda stated. He added that 13 civilians and 12 police officers were injured in the clashes. The chaos saw 25 vehicles set ablaze, including two police vehicles, and significant damage to infrastructure, with 11 police subunits and a penitentiary attacked and vandalized. Additionally, 86 prisoners were released during the disturbances.
Looting and Destruction in Major Cities
Protests quickly devolved into looting and destruction in urban centers like the capital Maputo and the city of Beira. Footage shared on social media depicted protesters setting fire to shops and engaging in widespread theft. Reports indicate that some local officials in Beira fled amidst the unrest, highlighting the severity of the situation.
The violence follows weeks of unrest that began in October. The Decide Electoral Platform, a Mozambican civil society group, revealed that over 150 people have lost their lives in election-related protests since 21 October, including 34 fatalities recorded between 4 and 10 December. The protests, initially peaceful, have shown no signs of abating.
Human Rights Concerns and International Criticism
Human rights organizations have condemned the Mozambican authorities for their handling of the protests, accusing them of employing excessive force. The demonstrations, initially aimed at contesting alleged electoral fraud, have drawn widespread criticism of the government’s heavy-handed response. Opposition parties continue to assert that the elections were marred by irregularities, a claim supported by international observers.
The European Union has voiced alarm over the escalating violence. In an official statement, the EU urged all parties involved to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could further inflame tensions. “We call for accountability and justice to address human rights violations,” the statement read.
EU Observation Mission Highlights Irregularities
The EU’s Electoral Observation Mission (EU EOM), comprising 180 members, monitored the Mozambican elections and identified multiple irregularities. “The mission noted inconsistencies in the vote counting process and the unjustified alteration of election results,” the EU said. The bloc has called on Mozambican electoral authorities to ensure full transparency in the vote tabulation process to restore public confidence.
As Mozambique grapples with the fallout from its contentious election, the international community continues to call for dialogue and accountability to address the deepening crisis.
