The Southern African nation of Mozambique has been facing weeks of post-election violence after the controversial October 9 elections. The ruling Frelimo party extended its hold on power, leading to widespread unrest among the population. Firebrand opposition candidate Venancio Mondlane rejected the election results, as did other opposition candidates, leading to clashes between demonstrators and security forces. Protests first erupted when two members of Podemos, a party backing Mondlane, were killed by unidentified gunmen on October 19, triggering violent riots across the country.
The violence escalated after the country’s highest electoral court reaffirmed Chapo’s win on Monday, prompting Mondlane to call on his supporters to “shut down” the country for five days. The unrest has severely impacted the country’s economy and tourism sector, with the International Monetary Fund downgrading its growth forecast. The clashes have left at least 151 people dead and have caused widespread damage to infrastructure and businesses.
The situation took a dramatic turn when over 6,000 prisoners broke free from the Maputo Central Prison on Christmas Day, with at least 33 prisoners dead and 15 injured in the process. There are conflicting reports on how the prison revolt started, with some prisoners allegedly overpowering guards and others taking advantage of a breach in the facility’s wall. Videos shared on social media showed prisoners escaping and running through residential areas, with some being recaptured by police officials.
Opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, who is in exile, has been communicating with his supporters through Facebook, denouncing the elections and calling for protests. He has accused security forces of inciting looting and unrest in the country, alleging that the government is trying to create a state of emergency to crack down on his supporters. The United Nations Secretary-General and the African Union have expressed concern over the ongoing violence, calling for peaceful dialogue and a resolution to the crisis.
The United States has also called on Mozambican authorities to refrain from violence and engage in collaboration to restore peace and unity. International monitors have cited significant irregularities in the election process and raised concerns about human rights violations, including excessive use of force by security forces. The international community is closely monitoring the situation in Mozambique and urging all stakeholders to work towards a peaceful resolution. The country is facing a critical moment in its history as it grapples with political turmoil and widespread unrest, with the hopes of restoring peace and stability for its citizens.
