Mozambique on edge: 21 killed in violence after election ruling

A wave of violence following the confirmation of Daniel Chapo’s victory in Mozambique's disputed October 9 elections has left at least 21 people dead, including two police officers.

Mozambique's Interior Minister, Pascoal Ronda, addressed the media in Maputo late on December 24, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

He stated that the violence and looting, which broke out after the country’s highest court upheld Chapo’s win on December 23, was largely driven by supporters of losing candidate Venancio Mondlane. 

Mondlane, who secured 24% of the vote, came second to Chapo, who won 65%.

"From our preliminary survey, over the past 24 hours, 236 acts of violence have been recorded nationwide, resulting in 21 deaths, including two members of the Police of the Republic of Mozambique," Ronda said. He also reported that 13 civilians and 12 police officers were injured in the unrest.

The violence saw 25 vehicles, including two police cars, set on fire. Additionally, 11 police subunits and a penitentiary were attacked, with 86 inmates released.

Tensions had been high leading up to the Constitutional Council’s ruling, and violent protests erupted immediately after the announcement. Social media footage showed protesters burning and looting stores in the capital, Maputo, as well as in the city of Beira, where some local officials reportedly fled.

Mondlane had previously called for a nationwide “shutdown” beginning December 20 but the situation had already escalated, with protests continuing into the night. The capital remained tense on December 24 following a day of intense violence.

The unrest follows months of mounting dissatisfaction after the October 9 elections, with Mondlane’s supporters — primarily young people — taking to the streets, clashing with security forces. The violence has already claimed more than 150 lives since the initial election results were announced.

Mozambique, a country of 34 million, continues to grapple with the aftermath of this deepening political crisis.

By Tamilla Hasanova