Death Toll Reaches 110 in Mozambique Protests Amid Claims of Election Fraud

In Mozambique, over 110 individuals have died in post-election protests following allegations of electoral fraud against the ruling Frelimo party. Security forces have been accused of using excessive force against demonstrators, leading to widespread unrest. Opposition leader Venancio Mondlane has called for continued protests as fears for personal safety grow among dissenters.

In Mozambique, over 110 individuals have reportedly lost their lives amid ongoing protests that have persisted for nearly two months following the recent presidential elections. Security forces have been implicated in these fatalities, which include children, as citizens voice their discontent against the governing Frelimo party, accused of election rigging. Opposition leader Venancio Mondlane has called for continued demonstrations, asserting that the electoral process was fraudulent and inciting public unrest across various regions.

Since the disputed election on October 9, unrest has surged, escalating further after the assassination of two opposition officials on October 18. According to the civil society group Plataforma Eleitoral Decide, the death toll reached 110 by December 10, with details indicating 34 fatalities occurring in the recent week alone. Amnesty International corroborated this figure, reporting that a total of 357 individuals have been shot by security forces amidst the protests and that more than 3,500 have been arbitrarily detained.

Human rights organizations have condemned the Mozambican authorities for their harsh responses, which have transitioned from initially peaceful protests to violent clashes, prompting the deployment of military forces. Reports indicate that security forces have frequently shot at demonstrators, with a particularly disturbing incident where an army vehicle appeared to deliberately run over a female protester, sparking international outrage.

As the situation unfolds, opposition leader Mondlane, who fled the country for safety, continues to rally support for protest actions through social media. He expressed determination to challenge the government, urging, “If the regime still wants to maintain the election results, if the fraudsters want to maintain the idea of establishing another illegal, illegitimate and unelected government, we will have no alternative.” The situation remains precarious as the inauguration of Frelimo’s candidate, Daniel Chapo, is scheduled for January 15, without the requisite validation of the election results by the Constitutional Council due to ongoing legal disputes.

Mozambique, which experienced a devastating 15-year civil war from 1977 to 1992, has faced renewed instability following the controversial presidential election on October 9, 2023. The unrest intensified after the shooting deaths of two opposition leaders on October 18, which heightened tensions among supporters of the opposition, who accused the ruling Frelimo party of electoral malpractice. Frelimo has been in power since the country regained independence from Portugal in 1975, leading to longstanding critiques regarding electoral integrity and governance practices.

The ongoing protests in Mozambique reveal deep-rooted dissatisfaction with the ruling Frelimo party, particularly following allegations of electoral fraud and the violent response of security forces to demonstrators. Human rights organizations have highlighted excessive force and arbitrary detentions, asserting a concerning trend of repression against dissent. The situation remains fluid as opposition leaders continue to mobilize public protests, challenging the legitimacy of the government amidst fears for their safety and rising death tolls.

Original Source: www.clickondetroit.com