Election Dispute Turns Deadly In Mozambique; 11 Killed, Dozens Injured

At least 11 people were killed and over 50 injured in Mozambique amid violent clashes following a contentious presidential election, according to Human Rights Watch (HRW). The violence erupted as protests spread after the announcement of Daniel Chapo, the ruling Frelimo party’s candidate, as the victor of the October 9 election. Frelimo has held power in Mozambique since the country’s independence in 1975.

HRW reported that Mozambique’s security forces used lethal force against opposition supporters, resulting in at least 11 deaths on October 24 and 25. Additionally, more than 50 protesters sustained severe injuries from gunfire. Local NGO, the Centre for Democracy and Human Rights (CDD), corroborated the fatality count, reporting at least six deaths in the Nampula province alone. Police reported different figures, stating two deaths and 20 injuries.

The protests, involving hundreds of opposition supporters, also saw riot police firing tear gas indiscriminately into residential areas, affecting many, including young children, HRW stated. A local physician reported treating several severely injured individuals, including one with a gunshot lodged in their spine.

Following the unrest, over 450 people were arrested, with 370 detained in Maputo; 85 individuals have since been released. Calls for a recount were filed on Monday by opposition candidate Venancio Mondlane, representing the Podemos party, who secured 20 percent of the vote against Chapo’s 71 percent.

Election monitors from the European Union noted “serious irregularities” in the vote-counting process, alleging unjustified changes to results at polling stations and district levels. HRW’s Africa advocacy director, Allan Ngari, urged Mozambican authorities to conduct a fair investigation into the alleged misuse of force and hold accountable those responsible for the violence.