At least 21 people have died in Mozambique following widespread unrest triggered by the Constitutional Council’s decision to uphold the ruling party Frelimo’s victory in the recent general election. The announcement, made on Monday, has deepened tensions in the country, with opposition groups and their supporters taking to the streets to protest what they allege to be a fraudulent electoral process.
The Interior Minister, Pascoal Ronda, confirmed the fatalities on Tuesday and revealed that 78 people have been arrested in connection with the unrest. Speaking to the national broadcaster TVM, he emphasized that security forces have been deployed to key locations across the country to prevent further violence. “The armed and defense forces will increase their presence in critical and strategic areas to maintain order and ensure public safety,” he said.
The court’s ruling, which solidified Frelimo’s long-standing hold on power, has drawn criticism from both domestic opposition parties and international observers. Critics argue that the electoral process was marred by irregularities, including allegations of vote tampering and voter intimidation. Frelimo, however, has repeatedly denied these accusations, insisting that the election was conducted fairly.
Protests have erupted in several cities, with demonstrators calling for transparency and accountability in the electoral process. The unrest highlights the deep political divisions in Mozambique, a country that has struggled to maintain stability in the wake of contentious elections.
The government has urged calm and promised to address the concerns raised by opposition groups, but tensions remain high as security forces work to restore order. With Mozambique facing both internal and external scrutiny over its democratic integrity, the coming days will be critical in determining the path forward for the nation.