At least 21 people have died in Mozambique due to violent protests following the Constitutional Council’s confirmation of Frelimo party’s Daniel Chapo as the presidential election winner. The unrest, led by supporters of losing candidate Venancio Mondlane, has resulted in widespread looting and attacks on police. The situation remains volatile ahead of Mondlane’s announced nationwide shutdown.
Mozambique has descended into violence following the confirmation of Frelimo party presidential candidate Daniel Chapo as the winner of the contentious October 9 elections by the Constitutional Council. This ruling incited unrest among supporters of the losing candidate, Venancio Mondlane, leading to clashes that have claimed the lives of at least 21 people, including two police officers. The Interior Minister Pascoal Ronda reported a total of 236 incidents of violence, which included attacks on police stations and the burning of vehicles. Protests erupted immediately after the court’s announcement, with significant unrest observed in the capital, Maputo, and the city of Beira. Mondlane’s call for a nationwide shutdown has intensified fears of further violence as the situation remains unstable.
The unrest in Mozambique is rooted in the recent presidential elections, where widespread allegations of electoral misconduct have led to a dispute over the results. Daniel Chapo was declared the winner, having received 65% of the votes, while Virancio Mondlane garnered 24%, prompting widespread dissatisfaction among supporters of the latter. The political climate has been tense since the election date, and the ruling from the Constitutional Council was the catalyst for the recent wave of violence and civil disturbances.
In summary, Mozambique faces a significant crisis following the confirmation of election results that have exacerbated political tensions and led to severe civil unrest. The violence, which has resulted in multiple casualties and injuries, highlights the deep divides within the country’s political landscape. As calls for protests continue, the potential for further violence looms large, necessitating urgent attention from both government authorities and international observers.
Original Source: apnews.com
