Two major power plants in Mozambique were forced to shut down on Saturday due to escalating protests in the wake of disputed election results. The protests have gripped the country since the October 9 elections, with opposition groups denouncing the results as fraudulent.
The state-run utility, Electricidade de Moçambique, confirmed that the Ressano Garcia and Gigawatt thermoelectric plants, located near the South African border, were targeted by demonstrators who called for a complete halt to electricity production. As protests spread across the country, the company said it had no choice but to suspend operations at the plants, citing concerns over potential dangers to personnel and infrastructure.
The protests erupted after the ruling Frelimo party, which has governed Mozambique since independence in 1975, was declared the winner of the elections. Frelimo’s candidate, Daniel Chapo, was said to have won nearly 71 percent of the vote, while opposition leader Venancio Mondlane received about 20 percent. However, Mondlane, leader of the small Podemos party, has disputed the official count, alleging widespread electoral fraud. He claims an independent tally showed him securing 53 percent of the vote, with Chapo receiving only 36 percent.
Mondlane’s supporters have taken to the streets in large numbers, denouncing what they call an illegitimate election process. Videos circulating on social media show widespread traffic disruptions near the power plants, though the authenticity of the footage remains unverified. The South African Border Management Authority has yet to respond to inquiries regarding the situation.
The Mozambique Constitutional Council is expected to certify the election results in the coming weeks, ahead of the inauguration ceremony scheduled for January. Meanwhile, the protests show no signs of abating, with opposition groups calling for further demonstrations in the coming days.
The violence has intensified since October 21, with at least 90 people killed in clashes between anti-government protesters and security forces, according to the civil society group Plataforma Decide. Mondlane, who fled to South Africa after publicly challenging the results, recently claimed that a second attempt on his life had failed. His whereabouts remain unclear as tensions continue to rise.
The unrest has drawn international attention, with observers criticizing the election for alleged irregularities and a lack of transparency. As Mozambique navigates through this turbulent period, the political landscape remains uncertain, with continued protests set to influence the country’s future.