Politics Civil society: 121 dead in two days of unrest in Mozambique
The number of victims of the serious unrest following the announcement of the election results in Mozambique continues to rise.
25.12.2024, 23:56
SDA
According to the civil society organization Plataforma Decide, 121 people were killed in clashes between demonstrators and security forces within 47 hours. Hours earlier, the organization had reported 56 dead and 380 injured. Mozambique's interior minister had reported 21 deaths the previous evening.
The unrest began after the Constitutional Council on Monday confirmed the election of Daniel Chapo, candidate of the Frelimo party, which has been in power for 49 years, as the new president with 65 percent of the vote. Opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane, who received 24 percent of the vote, rejected the result as rigged. The independent candidate announced in a speech via Facebook that he would declare himself president on January 15.
Chaos in the capital Maputo and other cities
The situation in the capital Maputo is tense. Demonstrators set up roadblocks and looted stores and banks. Many residents of the capital stayed at home on Christmas Day for fear of attacks. There were also riots in other parts of the country. Police stations, vehicles and public buildings, as well as radio and electricity pylons and a natural gas plant were attacked.
According to the security authorities, demonstrators stormed five prisons and freed more than 1,600 prisoners. At least 33 of them were killed in fights with the police, according to the police. The attackers also seized weapons. In addition to the police, the government is also deploying special forces from the military and border guards.
South Africa offers mediation
Mondlane had fled abroad after his lawyer and the spokesperson of another opposition party were shot shortly after the elections in October. He called on his supporters to protest peacefully. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of neighboring South Africa called on the conflicting parties to engage in political dialogue and offered support for mediation.
Around 35 million people live in Mozambique, many of whom suffer from poverty, mismanagement and the effects of climate change. The Frelimo party has governed the former Portuguese colony since 1975 and regular elections have been held since 1994.
