At least 90 people have died in Mozambique as protests over the disputed October 9 presidential election continue to escalate, according to civil society group Plataforma Decide.
The unrest, which began shortly after the elections, has seen anti-government demonstrators clash with security forces. Police confirmed at least five deaths in a fresh wave of protests on Wednesday, with live ammunition reportedly used to stop demonstrators attempting to storm the governor’s residence in Nampula.
The violence stems from allegations of widespread fraud favouring the ruling Frelimo party, in power since the country’s independence in 1975. Official results declared Frelimo candidate Daniel Chapo the winner with nearly 71% of the vote. However, opposition leader Venancio Mondlane claims his party’s separate count showed him leading with 53%.
Plataforma Decide reported that between October 21 and December 5, nearly 3,500 people have been detained in connection with the unrest.
Mondlane, who has been vocal about rejecting the election results, urged supporters to sustain protests through the festive season. “This time, all of us will not have Christmas because the people will be on the streets,” he said.
The Constitutional Council is expected to officially confirm the election results ahead of Chapo’s inauguration in January, but opposition parties and activists warn of continued demonstrations in what has become Mozambique’s deadliest political crisis in recent years.
