Mozambique Bans Demonstrations Amidst Weeks of Post-Election Unrest

The government of Mozambique has prohibited protests following sustained post-election disturbances that have resulted in multiple fatalities and numerous injuries. This action comes after last month’s contested presidential election, which was won by Frelimo, the party that has governed Mozambique since 1975. The weeks-long protests have led to violent confrontations with the police, and Human Rights Watch reports that at least 18 individuals have been killed. Interior Minister Pascoal Ronda has urged Mozambicans to cooperate with the authorities to halt the protests, characterizing them as “acts of terrorism.” Demonstrations commenced late last month in the capital, Maputo, after Daniel Chapo, the Frelimo candidate, was officially declared the victor with more than 71% of the vote. Opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane, who placed second with 20% of the vote, reportedly went into hiding before the election results were announced. He cited concerns for his safety after his aide and lawyer were killed while preparing to challenge the outcomes. Last week, soldiers were deployed to help maintain order during Thursday’s post-election protests, which were the largest since the unrest began on 9 October. Police used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse thousands of demonstrators who had lit fires and barricaded roads in Maputo. Ronda has stated that the protests are now “forbidden” due to their “severity.” “I no longer call these protests, I call them acts of subversion and terrorism because they terrorise people and children. That woman selling bananas can no longer sell them. People can’t go to work; this is terror,” said Ronda. The interior minister further accused protest organizers of utilizing “drugged” youth to “destabilise” the country, asserting that their plans would not succeed, as “crime will be fought.” Some rights groups have reported the total death toll to exceed 30. A South African television station has indicated that two of its journalists, who were covering the unrest in Maputo, have been detained under unclear circumstances. News Central TV stated that attempts to establish communication with the journalists have been unsuccessful since their arrest. “The detention of our colleagues while performing their professional duties is deeply concerning,” the statement read, adding that “we are working through all available diplomatic and official channels to secure their immediate release.” Authorities have restricted internet access across the country, an action Human Rights Watch described as an attempt to “suppress peaceful protests and public criticism of the government.” Opposition groups and observers contended that last month’s elections were unfair and rigged, a claim that the government denies. Current President Filipe Nyusi is stepping down after serving the two terms permitted under the constitution.