Mozambique faces intense unrest following the contested October 9 elections, with deadly clashes occurring between security forces and opposition supporters. Protests erupted after allegations emerged that the ruling Frelimo party was rigging votes to ensure the victory of its candidate, Daniel Chapo, over Venancio Mondlane, who is popular among young voters. Tensions further surged when two of Mondlane’s close allies were assassinated, resulting in increased calls for protests. Rights groups report severe police violence on protesters, with at least 11 deaths, many more injured, and hundreds detained. Demonstrators, led by a defiant Mondlane, demanded an end to Frelimo’s decades-long rule, citing economic hardship, unemployment, and poor governance. The government crackdown, which includes the use of live ammunition, has only strengthened protest resolve, with young Mozambicans prepared to risk their lives to challenge the political status quo, marking a pivotal moment in Mozambique’s democratic struggle.
SOURCE: AL JAZEERA
