Over 30 Killed in Weeks of Post-Election Violence in Mozambique

At least 30 people have reportedly died amid ongoing violence in Mozambique following recent elections. Unrest continues to escalate as tensions rise over disputed results. Read on for details on the impact and developments.

According to Human Rights Watch (HRW), over 30 individuals have lost their lives in Mozambique during nearly three weeks of crackdowns on protests following a contested presidential election.

The New York-based rights organization informed the AFP news agency that a minimum of 30 individuals were killed nationwide between October 19 and November 6, inclusive.

The toll did not account for the violence that occurred on Thursday when police and soldiers dispersed thousands of demonstrators in Maputo, the capital.

Mozambique’s Centre for Democracy and Human Rights has announced a total of 34 fatalities.

On October 24, the ruling Frelimo party, which has governed since the Southern African nation gained independence from Portugal 49 years ago, was declared victorious in the election with over 70 percent of the votes.

Opposition groups and observers claimed that the elections held on October 9 were unfair and rigged, prompting thousands to join demonstrations that faced a violent crackdown by authorities.

Mozambique’s largest hospital reported on Friday that clashes between police and protesters the day before resulted in at least three deaths and 66 injuries.

According to Dino Lopes, the director of the adult emergency service at Maputo Central Hospital, out of the 66 injured individuals, firearms were likely responsible for 57 injuries. Four people sustained injuries from falls, three suffered due to physical aggression, and two were wounded by sharp weapons.

He stated at a news conference that the majority of victims were between 25 and 35 years old, with some as young as 15.

Human rights groups have accused Mozambican police of using live ammunition on political protesters in the past. The interior minister has defended the recent police actions during demonstrations, stating they were necessary to restore public order.

The spokesperson for Mozambique’s armed forces, General Omar Saranga, revealed during a late-night news conference on Thursday that soldiers have been deployed to the streets to assist the police in maintaining order.

“In times like these, as demonstrations occur in certain regions, our responsibility also includes assisting security forces in upholding public order and peace,” Saranga stated.

The presidential palace in the country with a population of 34 million is now under tight security, with forces continually patrolling the streets. Many residents are choosing to stay locked inside their homes.

On Thursday, thousands of protesters ignited fires and blocked roads in the capital during the largest demonstration since the election. Police responded with tear gas and rubber bullets as demonstrators chanted “Frelimo must fall,” while some participants hurled rocks.

The Constitutional Council has not yet approved the election results, a necessary step for their official recognition.

President Filipe Nyusi of Frelimo is set to step down after completing the constitutionally limited two terms in office, passing leadership to Daniel Chapo, who has been declared the winner of the presidential election.According to Human Rights Watch (HRW), over 30 individuals have lost their lives in Mozambique during nearly three weeks of crackdowns on protests following a contested presidential election.

The New York-based rights organization informed the AFP news agency that a minimum of 30 individuals were killed nationwide between October 19 and November 6, inclusive.

The toll did not account for the violence that occurred on Thursday when police and soldiers dispersed thousands of demonstrators in Maputo, the capital.

Mozambique’s Centre for Democracy and Human Rights has announced a total of 34 fatalities.

READ ALSO: 10 Killed, Dozens Injured in Mozambique’s Post-Election Violence

On October 24, the ruling Frelimo party, which has governed since the Southern African nation gained independence from Portugal 49 years ago, was declared victorious in the election with over 70 percent of the votes.

Opposition groups and observers claimed that the elections held on October 9 were unfair and rigged, prompting thousands to join demonstrations that faced a violent crackdown by authorities.

Mozambique’s largest hospital reported on Friday that clashes between police and protesters the day before resulted in at least three deaths and 66 injuries.

According to Dino Lopes, the director of the adult emergency service at Maputo Central Hospital, out of the 66 injured individuals, firearms were likely responsible for 57 injuries. Four people sustained injuries from falls, three suffered due to physical aggression, and two were wounded by sharp weapons.

He stated at a news conference that the majority of victims were between 25 and 35 years old, with some as young as 15.

Human rights groups have accused Mozambican police of using live ammunition on political protesters in the past. The interior minister has defended the recent police actions during demonstrations, stating they were necessary to restore public order.

The spokesperson for Mozambique’s armed forces, General Omar Saranga, revealed during a late-night news conference on Thursday that soldiers have been deployed to the streets to assist the police in maintaining order.

“In times like these, as demonstrations occur in certain regions, our responsibility also includes assisting security forces in upholding public order and peace,” Saranga stated.

The presidential palace in the country with a population of 34 million is now under tight security, with forces continually patrolling the streets. Many residents are choosing to stay locked inside their homes.

On Thursday, thousands of protesters ignited fires and blocked roads in the capital during the largest demonstration since the election. Police responded with tear gas and rubber bullets as demonstrators chanted “Frelimo must fall,” while some participants hurled rocks.

The Constitutional Council has not yet approved the election results, a necessary step for their official recognition.

President Filipe Nyusi of Frelimo is set to step down after completing the constitutionally limited two terms in office, passing leadership to Daniel Chapo, who has been declared the winner of the presidential election.

Source: News Agencies