Mozambique is on the brink of further unrest as authorities threaten to deploy soldiers to contain post-election protests sweeping the nation. Tensions flared after the Oct. 24 election results confirmed a victory for Frelimo candidate Daniel Chapo, extending the governing party’s nearly five-decade rule. The opposition has disputed the results, calling for widespread protests, with a major demonstration planned in the capital, Maputo, on Thursday.

Since the protests began, at least 20 people have died, and hundreds have been injured or arrested, according to Amnesty International, which describes the government’s response as the harshest crackdown on dissent in years. The human rights group also reported multiple internet outages and blocked media websites, which it says began last Friday as part of a broader effort to curb information flow.

Mozambique’s Defense Minister Cristóvão Chume has warned that military intervention may be necessary, characterizing the protests as “attempts to overthrow the democratically-elected government.” The opposition maintains its call for peaceful demonstrations, raising concerns of further escalation in a nation already grappling with political and social unrest.