At least 50 people were injured during violent protests in Mozambique after the Constitutional Council declared ruling party candidate Daniel Chapo the winner of the October 9 presidential election. The announcement, made on Monday, sparked outrage among supporters of opposition candidate Venancio Mondlane, leading to widespread demonstrations.
According to reports, many of the injured protesters, some with gunshot wounds, were admitted to Maputo Central Hospital. Demonstrators were also accused of vandalizing police stations, gas stations, bank branches, and other public facilities across the capital.
The Constitutional Council’s ruling upheld an earlier decision by the electoral commission confirming Chapo’s victory, although it adjusted his winning margin from 71% to 65%. Chapo, representing the Mozambique Liberation Front (Frelimo), defeated Mondlane of the Optimist Party for the Development of Mozambique (Podemos), who secured 20% of the vote.
Since the electoral authority’s initial announcement in October, Mozambique has faced a wave of protests. Over 130 people have reportedly died during the unrest, with rights groups accusing security forces of using excessive violence to suppress dissent.
In response to the latest announcement, Mondlane urged his supporters on social media to prepare for “difficult days ahead” while expressing hope for eventual victory.
Calls for Dialogue
Neighboring South Africa has called for restraint from all parties and urged for immediate dialogue to resolve the escalating crisis. Pretoria expressed concern over the ongoing violence and offered to mediate, stating that it is prepared to work alongside the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and other multilateral organizations to address the impasse.
“South Africa stands ready to assist Mozambique in finding a peaceful resolution,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement, adding that discussions with Mozambican officials have already begun.
The protests and violence continue to pose significant challenges for Mozambique’s political stability and economic recovery.