Mozambique’s capital, Maputo, witnessed violent protests after authorities declared the ruling party Frelimo victorious in elections held on October 9.
Opposition supporters claim the election was rigged, fuelling unrest across several cities.
On Thursday night, demonstrators took to the streets, burning tyres and blocking roads, including the main land border with South Africa at Ressano Garcia. By Friday morning, makeshift barricades still obstructed key roads in Maputo.
Riot police responded with tear gas to disperse crowds as tensions escalated.
The electoral commission announced that Frelimo’s candidate, Daniel Chapo, secured 71% of the vote, ensuring the party’s continued rule after nearly five decades in power.
However, opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, who officially won just over 20%, rejected the results.
Speaking during a Facebook broadcast, Mondlane declared himself the rightful winner, calling the political system “rotten, doctored, and fake.”
“We absolutely reject these results. They do not reflect the will of the people,” Mondlane said, urging his supporters to protest the outcome.
In Nampula, clashes between law enforcement and protesters resulted in one death, according to police reports.
Protesters in Maputo also expressed anger at Chapo’s victory, accusing the electoral process of being manipulated.
Observers raised concerns over the transparency of the election. The Catholic Church criticised the process, alleging fraud, while the European Union (EU) mission noted “net favouritism” towards Frelimo.
Chapo, 47, a former provincial governor, will succeed President Filipe Nyusi in January.
He will become the first president not involved in the country’s 16-year civil war, which ended in 1992.
