Violent protests in Mozambique, sparked by disputed local election results, were suppressed by the police on Friday. Opposition supporters took to the streets, alleging that the elections earlier this month were rigged. In the city of Nampula, nine civilians and one police officer were injured during the protests. Police arrested a total of 70 individuals, with 60 of them being detained in Nampula, and others apprehended in the capital Maputo, Nacala, and Quelimane.
According to Mozambique’s Public Integrity Center, an independent non-profit organization, one individual was confirmed dead in Nacala, and two people were shot by the police in Nampula. Additionally, one police officer was killed by mobs in Nampula. Orlando Mudumane, a police spokesperson, mentioned that “Mozambique police was obliged to go out to the streets across the country and use force to quell violent protests,” in a statement. He further stated that the police would employ all available and proportionate means to suppress violence, without addressing questions or acknowledging any deaths.
Protests erupted shortly after the municipal elections on October 11, as the results were announced. The ruling party, FRELIMO, emerged as victors in 64 out of 65 municipalities and dismissed claims of fraud. On the other hand, the primary opposition party, RENAMO, revealed its intent to challenge the results in the Constitutional Court.
Amnesty International, a human rights organization, alleged that “Police in Mozambique regularly use excessive and unnecessary force to kill, injure and detain protesters” in a statement released last week. Amnesty documented instances of live ammunition being used against demonstrators, calling for an investigation into the death of a 16-year-old boy during earlier demonstrations in the Chiure municipality.
Reporting by Manuel Mucari, writing by Nellie Peyton, and editing by Jonathan Oatis.
