Protests over Mozambique’s disputed October 9 elections escalated on Wednesday, leaving at least two people dead in the northern city of Nampula and others injured during clashes in the capital, Maputo. Opposition leader Venancio Mondlane has rejected the election results, which declared the ruling Frelimo party victorious, and has called for continued demonstrations.
In Nampula, protesters blocked roads and a coal transport railway with barricades and burning tires, prompting police to open fire, killing two people, according to local civil society sources.
In Maputo, tensions flared when a military vehicle accidentally struck a woman standing near a protest banner, sparking outrage. Videos of the incident went viral, showing protesters stoning the vehicle and security forces responding with tear gas and live bullets.
The Mozambican armed forces later confirmed the incident, stating the woman was hospitalized and the vehicle had been clearing protest blockades.
Protests also spread to key areas such as Maputo’s Fighter’s Square and the main border post with South Africa, causing disruptions to traffic and trade. Demonstrators chanted anti-government slogans and demanded Mondlane be recognized as the rightful president, alleging widespread voter fraud.
Rights groups report that dozens, including children, have died during weeks of police crackdowns on post-election protests, with Human Rights Watch documenting at least 10 child fatalities. President Filipe Nyusi, set to step down in January, acknowledged 19 deaths, including five police officers, in a recent address.
The unrest highlights growing tensions in Mozambique over allegations of electoral misconduct and the government’s heavy-handed response to dissent.
