Faith Nyasuguta
Protests across Mozambique have turned deadly, with at least five people killed and three seriously injured, according to police. Demonstrations erupted in major cities, including Maputo, Nampula, and Zambezia, as tensions over the disputed October 9 presidential election continue to escalate.
Police spokesman Orlando Mudumane reported violent clashes between security forces and protesters armed with stones, knives, and machetes. The unrest, fueled by allegations of electoral fraud, poses a significant challenge to the nation’s stability.
The protests were reportedly organized by Venancio Mondlane, the opposition leader of the Optimistic People for the Development of Mozambique (Podemos). Speaking from South Africa, where he has sought refuge, Mondlane called for a week-long nationwide protest from December 4 to 11. His demands include blocking roads, railways, ports, and airports to “restore the truth about the elections.”
ESCALATING TENSIONS
The demonstrations have disrupted daily life across Mozambique. In Matola, a suburb of Maputo, tensions boiled over after a plainclothes police officer fatally shot a 13-year-old boy. Outraged residents blocked access to the Beleluane Industrial Park, which houses Mozal, a major aluminum exporter. Operations at Mozal were temporarily halted as protesters barricaded roads.
Mondlane urged supporters to take creative yet disruptive actions. In a live stream on his official Facebook page, he encouraged protesters to “stand still” daily from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., effectively disrupting public transport and services. He also called for nighttime demonstrations from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m., urging participants to make noise using whistles and vuvuzelas.
“We want only pedestrians to move through the streets. Participants should wear placards on their clothes or attach messages to vehicles,” Mondlane explained.
DEEPENING CRISIS
The protests reflect mounting frustration with the electoral process. Official results from the National Electoral Commission (CNE) declared Frelimo candidate Daniel Chapo the winner with 70.67% of the vote, while Mondlane received 20.32%. However, Mondlane has refused to accept the outcome, claiming victory and demanding a review of the process.
Since October, Mondlane’s calls for action have led to widespread unrest, including road blockages, looting, and minor arson. Armed forces have responded with tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition, further inflaming tensions. Authorities have also restricted internet access to limit the spread of protests.
According to reports, at least 76 protesters have been killed since the unrest began. Outgoing President Filipe Nyusi warned that the disruptions could impact public sector salary payments, including those for teachers and nurses, as Mozambique lacks external financial support.
As the protests continue, Mozambique’s Constitutional Council is set to validate the election results by December 23. Mondlane remains defiant, calling the unrest “a people’s response to a weakened democracy and a government that does not reflect the true will of Mozambicans.”
With no resolution in sight, the nation faces an uncertain path forward as citizens demand transparency and accountability in their democracy.
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