Mozambique is grappling with significant unrest following the official declaration of election results by the Constitutional Council, which affirmed Frelimo's Daniel Chapo as the winner of the presidential election with 65.17% of the vote.
Venâncio Mondlane, the main opposition leader, has declared he will install himself as president on January 15, rejecting the court's ruling and the Frelimo government’s legitimacy. His announcement has prompted violent protests across the nation, leading to scenes of chaos as demonstrators express their discontent with decades of Frelimo rule.
The unrest became particularly acute after the Constitutional Council confirmed Frelimo's victory on December 24, 2024. Mondlane's supporters took to the streets, burning tires and blocking roads, mirroring the significant public upheaval seen since the elections occurred. The protests have been characterized by acts of vandalism and looting against government offices, police stations, and businesses.
On Christmas Eve, the capital city of Maputo resembled a ghost town, with nearly all shops closed and residents staying indoors, unwilling to confront the violent demonstrations. According to various reports, more than 100 people have lost their lives to unrest since the elections, with rights groups accusing security forces of using excessive and often lethal force to quell protests.
Chapo, who succeeded Filipe Nyusi after two terms, has not commented on Mondlane's declaration. He was originally declared the winner with 71% of the vote; this was later amended to 65% after the constitutional court reviewed the results. Mondlane, who broke away from the main opposition party Renamo to run as an independent, claims the election was rigged.
The violence is fueled by longstanding grievances among the populace, particularly among the youth who feel overlooked by the establishment. Many express frustration with rampant unemployment and pervasive corruption within the Frelimo government. During his speech delivered via Facebook live, Mondlane urged his supporters to remain peaceful: "We are with the people. We do not advocate any form of violence." This call for peace is juxtaposed with the aggressive actions of the demonstrators.
According to the ANC, the ruling party's victory was necessary for the country's unity and stability. They urged respect for the results and called for dialogue among all political factions to prevent escalation.
The BMA (Border Management Authority) has triggered contingency plans and heightened alert levels in anticipation of more protests. The agency conveyed concerns over possible spillover effects from the protests, signifying both the urgency and seriousness of the unrest.
Despite previous calls for calm, the state of affairs continues to deteriorate, with public infrastructure suffering from the consequences of the unrest. Roads have been barricaded, hampering accessibility to key locations, including airports, making the situation perilous.
Following the council's ruling, Mondlane's supporters expressed disbelief, claiming they refuse to accept the results and pointing out perceived irregularities during the voting process. They believe their frustration reflects broader desires for accountability and governance reform within the country.
Historically, Mozambique has endured prolonged periods of political tensions, and the current conflict harkens back to earlier strife following independence. With Frelimo at the helm since then, questions about the party’s governance practices have resurfaced with passion amid the election's aftermath.
The confirmation of Chapo as president-elect was marred by the constitutional council's own admission of irregularities within the electoral process. President Lúcia Ribeiro acknowledged these discrepancies during the announcement of the election's outcome but contended they had "not influenced" the final tally.
Protests erupted immediately as the council's ruling was communicated, with demonstrators sporting Mondlane's supportsmen burning refuse and tires, indicating the depth of their dissatisfaction with the current leadership.
The path forward for both sides seems unclear as Mondlane plans to assume the presidency on January 15, and Chapo prepares for his inauguration on the same date. This political stalemate raises the potential for increased violence as both factions rally for their respective causes and claim legitimate authority over the country.
This conflict serves as yet another reminder of the fragility of democracy and the challenges faced by many countries striving for political stability, justice, and equitable governance.
The international community will undoubtedly be watching closely, as Mozambique stands at a crossroads for its democratic future.
