PROTESTS have once again gripped Mozambique after the constitutional court upheld the victory of ruling party candidate Daniel Chapo in October’s fiercely disputed presidential election. The unrest has reignited tensions across the nation, with allegations of vote rigging and heavy-handed security responses deepening divisions.
The court’s decision confirmed Chapo as the winner but revised his victory margin from 71 percent to 65 percent, with opposition candidate Venâncio Mondlane’s share rising slightly to 24 percent. Despite this adjustment, critics argue the election process was deeply flawed, fuelling weeks of unrest that have left at least 110 people dead.
Violent protests and rising anger
Demonstrations erupted on Monday, with protesters chanting Mondlane’s name while burning tyres, barricading roads, and clashing with police in the capital, Maputo. Security forces responded with tear gas to disperse the crowds, escalating tensions in a region already on edge since protests began in October.
The streets of Maputo, typically bustling during the festive season, were eerily quiet as businesses shuttered in fear of violence. Local residents described the city as resembling ‘a ghost town,’ with roads emptied of their usual traffic.
Mondlane, who fled Mozambique after two of his aides were shot dead in October, has been vocal in condemning the election results. From exile, he has rallied his supporters via social media, warning of a ‘new popular uprising’ if the results are not overturned.
A deepening crisis
The unrest has highlighted Mozambique’s deep political divides. Mondlane, a 50-year-old evangelical pastor, has alleged that the election was rigged in favour of Frelimo, the ruling party that has maintained a firm grip on power since the country gained independence 49 years ago.
International observers have echoed some of Mondlane’s concerns, citing irregularities in vote counting and allegations of tampered results. Despite these criticisms, the country’s electoral commission has denied any wrongdoing, further inflaming frustrations among opposition supporters.
The demonstrations have been met with a heavy security response, with reports from the local monitoring group Plataforma Decide indicating that many of the 110 fatalities resulted from confrontations with police. While police commander Bernadino Rafael claimed his officers acted in self-defence, human rights groups have accused the authorities of excessive force.
Calls for dialogue and peace
In a bid to ease tensions, Pope Francis addressed Mozambique’s largely Catholic population on Sunday, urging both sides to pursue dialogue and prioritise the common good. ‘Violence cannot bring resolution. Only through understanding can Mozambique find peace,’ the pontiff stated.
Mondlane has reportedly engaged in talks with outgoing President Filipe Nyusi, though the outcomes of these discussions remain unclear. Meanwhile, Chapo, the newly confirmed president-elect, has called for calm, urging citizens to respect the court’s decision and move forward as a united nation.
A history of political dominance
The protests also underscore long-standing frustrations with Frelimo’s dominance in Mozambique’s political landscape. Critics argue that the party’s nearly five-decade rule has stifled democracy and allowed corruption to flourish.
The contested election results have become a flashpoint for deeper grievances, including economic inequality and limited political freedoms. Analysts warn that unless these systemic issues are addressed, the unrest may persist, threatening the nation’s stability.
A nation at a crossroads
Mozambique now stands at a pivotal moment. The government faces mounting pressure to address allegations of electoral misconduct and rebuild trust with its citizens. The opposition, meanwhile, must navigate a path that channels dissent into constructive dialogue rather than prolonged violence.
As the protests continue, the world watches closely, hoping for a resolution that brings peace and strengthens democracy in one of Africa’s most politically dynamic nations.
Mozambique’s disputed presidential election has ignited nationwide protests, with opposition supporters decrying alleged vote rigging. As clashes with police intensify, calls for dialogue and accountability grow louder. With over 110 fatalities reported, Mozambique faces a critical moment to address political grievances and restore trust in its democratic processes.
