Tensions continue to rise in Mozambique as protests against alleged electoral fraud turn violent in the capital city of Maputo. Riot police dispersed a crowd with tear gas, leading to two journalists and a security guard being wounded. Opposition leader Venancio Mondlane called for a general strike following early election results favoring the ruling party. The strike led to closed shops and helicopters patrolling the city. The tension escalated after two associates of Mondlane were shot dead over the weekend.
International organizations, including the European Union, African Union, and United Nations, have condemned the violence and called for calm. The UN Secretary-General urged all Mozambicans to reject violence, and the African Union expressed deep concern over the reported post-election violence.
Observers from the US have criticized the election for not meeting international standards due to reports of fraud and voter intimidation. Despite President Filipe Nyusi stepping down after two terms, his party’s candidate, Daniel Chapo, is expected to win. Other candidates include the main opposition party’s Ossufo Momade and the Mozambique Democratic Movement’s Lutero Simango.
Mondlane, who has claimed victory, described the strike as a success with the country being “paralysed”. The strike was reportedly followed in several cities across Mozambique. The electoral commission has not commented on fraud accusations, and official results are still pending. The unrest in Mozambique raises concerns about the legitimacy of the election and the country’s political stability moving forward.
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