Mozambique’s opposition leader, Venancio Mondlane, has called for three days of national mourning following the deaths of 50 people in post-election violence. Mondlane, speaking in a widely-viewed Facebook address on Tuesday, accused the government of using excessive force against peaceful protesters following the controversial October 9 election, which he and his party, Podemos, dispute as fraudulent.
Mondlane demanded a recount of the election, in which the ruling Frelimo party claimed victory with 71% of the vote. He described the 50 victims as “martyrs” who were killed by security forces during protests, asserting that they were shot by authorities who should have been protecting them. Mondlane also urged his supporters to wear black but cautioned against further protests, citing the risk of violent police retaliation.
President Filipe Nyusi responded by condemning the violence in a national address, labeling the unrest an attempt to destabilize the country. Nyusi confirmed the deaths of 19 individuals, including five police officers, and noted that more than 800 people had been injured. The president acknowledged the impact of the violence on Mozambique’s already struggling economy, warning that the country’s projected 5.5% growth rate could be revised downward.
Despite the ongoing crisis, Nyusi called for dialogue between Mozambique’s major political parties, including the opposition Renamo and MDM, to find a peaceful resolution. The president also urged protesters to exercise their right to demonstrate within the confines of the law.
Human rights organizations, including the Centre for Democracy and Human Rights (CDD), have condemned the use of live ammunition against demonstrators, reporting that at least 65 people have died since the protests began. Local anti-corruption group Public Integrity Center (CIP) confirmed that police used both rubber and live bullets to suppress the unrest.
In response to the violence, Mondlane has appealed to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit, set to take place in Harare, to press for accountability and demand respect for the electoral process. He also called for an end to police repression and the restoration of democratic rule in the country.
As the situation continues to unfold, both the government and the opposition remain at odds, with international attention focused on Mozambique’s path toward stability.
