Photo Credit:Reuters
Violent clashes erupted in Maputo on Monday as Mozambican police fired tear gas and live ammunition at opposition supporters, marking a dramatic escalation in post-election tensions following the suspicious deaths of two opposition figures. Independent presidential candidate Venancio Mondlane, who had called for a nationwide shutdown to protest alleged electoral fraud, was forced to flee when police fired tear gas during his press conference near the site where his lawyer and a senior party official were killed Friday night. "The whole of last night, police cars were at my doorstep," Mondlane told reporters before the incident.
The October 9 election has been marred by accusations of widespread irregularities. Preliminary results show ruling party Frelimo's candidate Daniel Chapo leading significantly, potentially extending the party's 49-year grip on power. U.S.-based observers reported the elections failed to meet international democratic standards, citing "vote buying, intimidation, inflated voter rolls and other issues."
Friday's assassination of Mondlane's lawyer, Elvino Dias, who was preparing legal challenges to the election results, and a senior opposition spokesperson has drawn international condemnation. UN Secretary-General António Guterres and the European Union called for an immediate investigation into what many view as politically motivated killings.
During Monday's protests, which drew hundreds to Maputo's streets, demonstrators burned Frelimo flags and clashed with police. According to Adriano Nuvunga, director of Mozambique's Centre for Democracy and Human Rights, two journalists and a security guard sustained non critical gunshot wounds during the confrontation.
"The police are turning this into a violent protest because they are firing at us," said Vladimir Manhique, a 32-year-old protester. "This is a way to demonstrate that enough is enough. This regime must fall."
The escalating crisis highlights the fragility of Mozambique's democratic institutions as the country awaits final election results this week. Frelimo, which has governed since independence from Portugal in 1975, faces mounting pressure over allegations of electoral manipulation and heavy handed responses to peaceful dissent.
International observers remain concerned about the potential for further violence in this strategic Southern African nation. Mondlane, after witnessing the police response, advised protesters to return home, though the underlying political tensions show no signs of abating.
