Key Points
- Protests followed Frelimo’s contentious election victory in October 9.
- At least 18 killed in police crackdown.
- Mozambique’s Constitutional Council reviewing election discrepancies.
In Mozambique’s capital, Maputo, police used tear gas on Thursday to disperse thousands of demonstrators in what has become the most significant protest to date against the ruling Frelimo party, declared the winner of last month’s contested election.
The October . 9 election, which extended Frelimo’s 49-year rule, has sparked anger and allegations of fraud. At least 18 people have died in police crackdowns on demonstrations since the election results were announced, according to human rights organizations.
Young voters rally behind Mondlane, challenge Frelimo
Frelimo’s victory has faced mounting criticism, especially from younger voters who rallied behind Venancio Mondlane, an independent candidate. Mondlane has denounced the election as fraudulent and called for a series of protests, culminating in Thursday’s massive turnout.
Civil society groups and international observers also criticized the vote as unfair, citing tampering of results, while Frelimo has yet to respond to requests for comment on the allegations. The election accusations have renewed frustrations toward Frelimo, which has faced similar claims in past elections.
Mozambique protests intensify; police and youth clash
Unlike previous, smaller protests, Thursday’s demonstration saw police presence in full force as protesters—primarily young men—blocked streets, lit tires on fire, and held signs in support of Mondlane.
A Reuters journalist witnessed a police officer firing teargas and a handgun in the direction of protesters in a township outside Maputo. Adriano Nuvunga, head of the Centre for Democracy and Human Rights in Mozambique, remarked, “This level of protest is unprecedented.
Whatever happens next, young people have made their voices heard.” While President Filipe Nyusi has yet to address the growing unrest, his defense minister has warned of potential military deployment, stating that any attempts to seize power would be met with resistance.
As of now, Mozambique’s Constitutional Council has not certified the election results, a process that typically spans two months.
South Africa shuts border amid Mozambique unrest
On Tuesday, the council demanded that the electoral commission provide explanations for discrepancies in the vote count across presidential, legislative, and provincial races. Political analyst Louw Nel from Oxford Economics Africa commented, “The outcome largely depends on what the Constitutional Council decides.
But public anger is intense, and it’s unclear what could diffuse the situation.” Amid rising tensions, South Africa has closed its primary border crossing with Mozambique, and its foreign ministry has advised citizens to avoid non-essential travel to the country.
South African logistics firm Grindrod announced on Thursday that it had halted operations at Mozambique’s ports and terminals due to security concerns.
