Amnesty International called on Mozambique on Wednesday to “halt its deadly crackdown on protesters,” citing the deaths of 110 individuals during demonstrations sparked by the controversial presidential elections in October.
Unrest has plagued the southern African nation since the October 9 elections, which saw the ruling Frelimo party, in power since 1975, secure victory. Opposition parties, however, have condemned the elections as fraudulent.
“Enough is enough. For over 50 days, Mozambique’s Frelimo-led government has ignored calls to end its violent suppression of protesters,” said Khanyo Farise, Amnesty’s Deputy Director for East and Southern Africa, in a statement.
According to the local group Plataforma Decide, referenced by Amnesty, over 30 people were killed in less than a week between last Wednesday and Monday. The group reported that a total of 110 lives have been lost in the ongoing clashes.
“The authorities’ blatant, continuous, and escalating use of excessive and unlawful force against protesters must stop immediately,” Farise added.
A Mozambican soldier is seen walking past protesters burning tires during a demonstration in Maputo on December 6, 2024. (Photo by Amilton Neves / AFP)
The Constitutional Council is expected to confirm the election results at least two weeks before the January inauguration of Daniel Chapo, 47, the Frelimo candidate succeeding outgoing President Filipe Nyusi.
According to the electoral commission, Chapo won nearly 71 percent of the vote, while Venancio Mondlane, leader of the small Podemos party, came second with 20 percent. However, Mondlane claims that an independent count showed he received 53 percent of the vote, with Chapo only garnering 36 percent.
Protesters block roads during a demonstration in Maputo on December 7, 2024. (Photo by Amilton Neves / AFP)
In a video message from abroad on Tuesday, Mondlane urged his supporters to disrupt the country’s mines.
South Africa’s Interior Minister, Leon Schreiber, called for calm during a visit to the Lebombo border crossing on Wednesday, which has been a frequent target of Mozambican protesters.
“We want a resolution to this impasse, as we know it’s affecting trade and travel, and no one wants this situation to continue,” he stated.
Protesters march past burning tires during a demonstration in Maputo on December 6, 2024. (Photo by Amilton Neves / AFP)
President Nyusi met with the State Council on Wednesday, demanding “deep reforms.” He called for the “defence and security forces to prepare for the challenges facing the country” and urged them to “use force only when absolutely necessary.” In an effort to address opposition concerns, Nyusi announced plans for a “comprehensive review of electoral laws” and measures aimed at “improving the transparency and credibility of future elections.”
