In brief
The confirmation of Daniel Chapo's victory in Mozambique's presidential election has triggered violent protests, leading to at least 21 deaths and widespread destruction, with accusations of excessive force by security forces.
At least 21 people have died in Mozambique amid violent protests ignited by the confirmation of Daniel Chapo as the election winner. Tensions soared after the country’s highest court upheld the results of October's contested election, which opposition groups claim was fraudulent. These protests have resulted in clashes between demonstrators and police, with reports indicating that two police officers were among the casualties. The Mozambique interior minister, Pascoal Ronda, announced that authorities had arrested 71 individuals in connection with the unrest.Human rights organizations have raised alarms over the police's use of excessive force during the protests, including the firing of live ammunition and rubber bullets. Since the election, the unrest has seen over 100 people lose their lives due to escalating violence. In response to the court’s ruling favoring Chapo, demonstrators have set fires and obstructed streets, resulting in significant damage to infrastructure. Hundreds of buildings, extending to police stations, schools, and hospitals, suffered severe looting and destruction. Ronda emphasized the serious threat these actions pose to the nation’s safety and democracy, urging security forces to restore order decisively and hold accountable those responsible for the mayhem. He noted that a penitentiary was breached during the chaos, allowing 86 inmates to escape. As Mozambique grapples with this turmoil, calls for accountability and peaceful resolution become paramount in hopes of stabilizing the country.
