At least 30 people have been killed in Mozambique over the past three weeks as violent clashes between security forces and protesters opposing the outcome of a controversial presidential election have escalated. Human Rights Watch (HRW) confirmed the deaths between October 19 and November 6, with further violence reported on November 7 when police and military forces dispersed demonstrators in the capital, Maputo.
The unrest began after the ruling Frelimo party, which has maintained power for nearly five decades, declared victory in the October 9 election, securing over 70% of the vote. Opposition candidate Venancio Mondlane, who was backed by the Podemos party and finished second with 20% of the vote, rejected the results, calling them fraudulent. Mondlane, a vocal critic of the election, used social media to call for protests, urging his supporters to take to the streets in defiance of the results, which led to violent confrontations with police and military personnel.
On Thursday, Maputo witnessed the largest demonstration to date, with protesters clashing with security forces. Some demonstrators threw rocks, erected barricades, and faced a heavy response from law enforcement. Maputo Central Hospital confirmed treating 66 people for injuries sustained in the protests, with three confirmed deaths. The hospital also reported that four of the injured were in critical condition.
A local NGO, the Centre for Democracy and Human Rights (CDD), reported 34 fatalities as of November 7, describing the violence as an example of “brutal state repression” against peaceful calls for electoral justice.
The violence has sent shockwaves through the southern African nation, with tension continuing to rise. The security forces have yet to provide an official death toll, but authorities are expected to address the media later Friday, as the situation remains volatile. The unrest highlights the deep political divisions in the country, as well as the frustration over the disputed election process.
