By Agencies
Mozambique
At least 21 people have been killed in violent unrest across Mozambique following the Constitutional Council’s decision to uphold the victory of the long-ruling Frelimo party in the October presidential election, Interior Minister Pascoal Ronda announced late Tuesday.
The court ruling on Monday confirmed Frelimo's candidate, Daniel Chapo, as the winner with 65.17% of the vote, dismissing allegations of widespread fraud. This sparked a wave of protests led by opposition supporters who insist the election was rigged.
Protests have erupted nationwide, with demonstrators blocking roads, burning tires, and clashing with security forces. In several provinces, public buildings and vehicles have been vandalized as anger boils over.
The violence has resulted in the arrests of at least 78 people, with the government warning of more detentions as protests continue. “The armed and defense forces will increase their presence in critical and key points,” Minister Ronda told the state broadcaster TVM, emphasizing that security measures are being reinforced to restore order.
The opposition, led by politician Venâncio Mondlane, has rejected the court's decision and accused Frelimo of electoral manipulation. Mondlane’s party claims the election was marred by voter intimidation, ballot stuffing, and irregularities in vote counting.
Despite Frelimo’s denial, allegations of vote rigging are not new. The ruling party has governed Mozambique since independence in 1975 and has often been criticized for consolidating power and stifling opposition.
Rising Tensions and Escalating Violence
The Constitutional Council’s announcement reignited tensions in a nation already struggling with economic hardships, widespread poverty, and an ongoing Islamist insurgency in the northern Cabo Delgado province. Protesters in urban centers like Maputo, Beira, and Nampula have been particularly vocal, with police deploying tear gas and live ammunition to disperse crowds.
Reports from local activists indicate that several of the deaths occurred during clashes between demonstrators and security forces. Human rights groups have urged the government to exercise restraint and ensure the safety of peaceful protesters.
More than 1,500 escape in Mozambique prison break amid election tensions
Africa
More than 1,500 people escaped during a prison riot in Mozambique's capital Maputo that left 33 people dead on Wednesday. About 150 have since been recaptured injured, according to police general commander Bernardino Rafael.
Issued on: 25/12/2024
FRANCE 24
Africa
More than 1,500 people escaped during a prison riot in Mozambique's capital Maputo that left 33 people dead on Wednesday. About 150 have since been recaptured injured, according to police general commander Bernardino Rafael.
Issued on: 25/12/2024
FRANCE 24
Empty streets and closed shops in central Maputo ahead of a ruling on disputed elections on December 23, 2024. © AFP
A prison riot in Mozambique's capital Maputo left 33 people dead and 15 injured, police general commander Bernardino Rafael said on Wednesday.
About 1,534 people escaped from the prison but 150 of them have now been recaptured, he said.
Groups of protesters had approached the penitentiary Wednesday, creating confusion and triggering unrest inside the prison, where inmates ended up knocking down a wall through which they escaped, Rafael explained.
Around 30 of the prisoners were linked to armed groups that have been behind unrest and attacks in the northern province of Cabo Delgado for the past seven years.
The prison break comes a day after at least 21 people were killed in unrest that erupted when Mozambique's top court on Monday confirmed the victory of the long-ruling Frelimo party's presidential candidate, Daniel Chapo, in disputed October elections.
The decision by the Portuguese-speaking country's Constitutional Council sparked fresh nationwide protests by opposition groups and their supporters, who say the vote was rigged.
At least 78 people have been arrested so far and security measures have been tightened across the country, Interior Minister Pascoal Ronda told public broadcaster TVM on Tuesday.
"The armed and defense force will increase its presence in critical and key points," he said.
Frelimo, in power since 1975, has been repeatedly accused by opponents and election observers of rigging votes.
A prison riot in Mozambique's capital Maputo left 33 people dead and 15 injured, police general commander Bernardino Rafael said on Wednesday.
About 1,534 people escaped from the prison but 150 of them have now been recaptured, he said.
Groups of protesters had approached the penitentiary Wednesday, creating confusion and triggering unrest inside the prison, where inmates ended up knocking down a wall through which they escaped, Rafael explained.
Around 30 of the prisoners were linked to armed groups that have been behind unrest and attacks in the northern province of Cabo Delgado for the past seven years.
The prison break comes a day after at least 21 people were killed in unrest that erupted when Mozambique's top court on Monday confirmed the victory of the long-ruling Frelimo party's presidential candidate, Daniel Chapo, in disputed October elections.
The decision by the Portuguese-speaking country's Constitutional Council sparked fresh nationwide protests by opposition groups and their supporters, who say the vote was rigged.
At least 78 people have been arrested so far and security measures have been tightened across the country, Interior Minister Pascoal Ronda told public broadcaster TVM on Tuesday.
"The armed and defense force will increase its presence in critical and key points," he said.
Frelimo, in power since 1975, has been repeatedly accused by opponents and election observers of rigging votes.
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