Violence and unrest have engulfed Mozambique following the recent disputed elections, leading to a death toll of at least 261, according to local monitoring group Plataforma Decide. The tension stems from the ruling Frelimo party’s electoral victory announcement, which the opposition has vehemently rejected as fraudulent.
The unrest has prompted widespread demonstrations across various regions, particularly following the Constitutional Council’s support of the election results. Most of the fatalities have reportedly resulted from police gunfire during clashes with protestors. While the capital, Maputo, showed signs of returning to normal, violence erupted anew in northern towns, including Nacala.
According to Wilker Dias, director of Plataforma Decide, the violence had intensified after the court ruling, with substantial police force deployed to suppress gatherings. “The situation was calmer on Friday, but we anticipate future escalations, particularly as the inauguration of the president-elect Daniel Chapo approaches on January 15,” he stated.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for political leaders to engage meaningful dialogue instead of resorting to violence, highlighting the urgent need for peace amid growing tensions. He called upon Mozambican leaders to prioritize political stability over confrontations.
Economically, Mozambique has suffered significantly due to the unrest. Businesses have experienced looting and destruction, and mining operations have stalled. One example is Gemfields Group’s Montepuez Ruby Mining operation, which has suspended activities after more than 200 individuals associated with illegal mining attempted to invade the site on Christmas Eve. Two people were killed during this confrontation as security forces intervened.
Besides, this unrest is not isolated; on the same day, rioters also targeted community facilities built by Gemfields, leading to extensive damage. Gemfields temporarily relocated staff for safety and began resuming operations by late December. Their emergence as the world’s leading ruby supplier is at risk as the situation develops.
Experts have pointed out how the population's frustration, rooted in decades of economic stagnation and corruption, has fused with political disillusionment. This dissatisfaction was reflected when Daniel Chapo, Frelimo’s candidate, claimed over 70% of the vote, with challenger Venancio Mondlane from the Podemos party garnering 20%. The electoral process has been marked by allegations of extensive fraud, leading to dwindling voter turnout and public fury.
Political analyst Rufino Sitoe noted, “The ruling party, Frelimo, has failed to promote true democracy since it brought independence to Mozambique. The recent protests have united public anger against the ruling elite.” The discontent resulted not merely from the election itself but from years of perceived neglect and mismanagement of public resources.
Meanwhile, police and military responses to protests have often been severe, as the government demonstrates little tolerance for opposition. This has led to fears of recurring violence as the public mobilizes against government tactics. During the unrest, over 1,500 prisoners escaped from a high-security facility near Maputo amid riots, with many fatal clashes reported. Efforts to recapture the escapees are underway, but the situation remains incredibly volatile.
Despite these recent events, leaders from the Mozambique Bar Association have urged the government to engage sincerely with the opposition to find compromises and solutions. They have emphasized the importance of rebuilding trust and allowing for genuine discourse between the ruling party and its critics. Public sentiment, overwhelmingly against Frelimo’s monopoly on power, continues to grow.
The path to reconciliation appears fraught with challenges. Daniel Chapo is on track to take office as the country’s fifth president, but the legitimacy of his rule remains under scrutiny as he confronts widespread dissent. Experts like Sitoe suggest the absence of dialogue and reform will likely perpetuate instability. “The government must start listening to grievances; otherwise, future unrest is inevitable,” he warned.
With international focus increasing and civil society groups rallying for transparency and accountability, the nation stands at a crossroads. The anger among the populace is unmistakable, fueled by years of unfulfilled promises and economic hardship, all threading back to the foundational elements of Mozambique’s post-colonial narrative. Only through proactive engagement can Mozambique hope to avert another full-scale uprising.
