A military vehicle in Maputo, Mozambique, injured a woman during protests against alleged election fraud. The military expressed regret and will cover her medical expenses. Nationwide unrest continues as opposition leader Mondlane’s supporters protest against the ruling Frelimo party, which secured a controversial election victory. Reports indicate increasing violence against civilians, leading to international concern over human rights abuses.
A tragic incident occurred in Maputo, Mozambique, where a military vehicle ran over a woman amidst ongoing protests following contentious elections. The vehicle crashed into a makeshift barricade that marked opposition demonstrations against presumed electoral fraud, leaving the woman with significant head injuries, though she is currently not in life-threatening condition. In a statement, Mozambique’s armed forces expressed regret for the accident, promising to take responsibility for her medical treatment and to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.
Protests have erupted nationwide in response to the October 9 elections, where the ruling Frelimo party’s presidential candidate, Daniel Chapo, allegedly secured over 70% of the votes. In stark contrast, opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane, who claimed victory with 20.3% of the vote, has since fled abroad. Continuing unrest was marked by another incident in Nampula, where police reportedly shot and killed two protesters as confrontations escalated.
Vibrant demonstrations persisted across the country, as Mondlane’s supporters responded to his call for blockades from 8 AM to 4 PM. Along vital routes, individuals gathered to share meals and discuss their discontent with the current regime. Reports indicate that at least 10 children have lost their lives due to security force actions since late October, with various organizations documenting a rising death toll linked to police violence.
The unjust deaths of civil society figures, including lawyer Elvino Dias and filmmaker Paulo Guambe, further exacerbate concerns over targeted violence against opposition members. In a collective expression of condemnation, the embassies of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Norway, and Switzerland denounced the increasing hostility toward civilians in Mozambique, highlighting the need for accountability and respect for human rights.
The political landscape in Mozambique has been increasingly tumultuous following the October 2023 general elections, characterized by widespread allegations of electoral fraud by the opposition. The Frelimo party, which has maintained power since the country’s independence in 1975, faced significant pushback from young voters rallying around opposition candidate Venâncio Mondlane. The atmosphere in Mozambique has since devolved into violence, with protests being met by force, raising urgent concerns regarding human rights and civil liberties in the nation.
The recent turmoil in Mozambique highlights significant sociopolitical unrest following elections marred by allegations of corruption and electoral malpractice. An increase in civilian casualties amid government crackdowns signals a grave human rights situation. The military’s acknowledgement of responsibility for the incident involving the injured woman, alongside international condemnation, underscores the imperative for accountability and reform in Mozambique’s governance.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
