Mozambique Plunged Into Chaos Over Election Results

The Mozambican police have documented 236 "serious acts of violence" within a 24-hour span during protests against the recently announced election results. These violent acts included attacks on police stations and prisons, leading to 21 deaths, according to Interior Minister Pascoal Ronda's statement today. In response, the government has pledged to bolster security measures across the nation.

During a Tuesday press conference in Maputo, amidst scenes of widespread disruption including barricades, looting, and destruction, Minister Ronda emphasized that these are not peaceful demonstrations but criminal acts. "No one can call or consider these criminal acts as peaceful demonstrations," he declared, highlighting the severity of the situation following the final results of the October 9 general elections.

Ronda detailed the extent of the damage: 25 vehicles, including two from the Mozambique Police (PRM), were torched; 11 police units and one prison were vandalized, leading to the escape of 86 inmates; four toll gates were destroyed by fire, three health units were vandalized, and a central medical warehouse was both burned and looted. Additionally, ten offices of the ruling Frelimo party were set ablaze.

These violent incidents resulted in 21 fatalities, including two PRM officers, and 25 injuries, with 13 civilians and 12 police officers affected. Seventy-eight individuals have been arrested in connection with these events, and the police are actively investigating those responsible for orchestrating these crimes.

The minister also linked some of the violence to tactics resembling those of terrorist groups, particularly noting the insurgency in Cabo Delgado. "The modus operandi of these actions suggests the possibility that we are facing selective attacks carried out by a terrorist group," Ronda said, indicating that the Defense and Security Forces (FDS) would take decisive action to curb what he described as escalating urban terrorism.

The announcement by Mozambique’s Constitutional Council, which declared Daniel Chapo of Frelimo as the presidential winner with 65.17% of the vote, has evidently fueled the unrest. Frelimo also secured a parliamentary majority in these elections.

The fallout has been immediate and intense, with protesters in Maputo and other cities blocking roads, burning tires, and attacking various establishments, including banks. This wave of protests, which began on October 21, had already claimed at least 120 lives before Monday's results were announced. Venâncio Mondlane, the presidential candidate who disputes these results, has been a key figure in rallying opposition.

The disruption has extended to essential services, with schools, courts, and businesses being damaged. Minister Ronda reiterated the need for the FDS to act decisively yet legally to restore order, identifying and prosecuting those involved in the chaos. He called for calm, urging that "all differences are resolved peacefully" amidst this public disorder.

Source: Lusa