Mozambique’s Disputed Election Protests Claim Three Lives

Protesters run away from tear gas fired by police in Maputo yesterday. (AP pic)

MAPUTO: At least three people were killed and 66 injured in clashes between police and protesters over a disputed election.

Fatalities Mount as Protests Intensify

The fatalities add to at least 18 people killed in earlier protests since the October 9 poll, which the opposition claims was rigged. Some groups have given a higher toll, with Mozambique’s Centre for Democracy and Human Rights reporting 34 deaths overall.

Mass Protests Against Frelimo

Yesterday’s protests were the biggest Mozambique has ever seen against Frelimo, the party that has ruled the southern African state since 1975 and was declared winner of last month’s election by a landslide. Civil society groups and international observers said the vote did not meet democratic standards, and the country’s constitutional council has requested clarification from the electoral commission on discrepancies in the vote count.

Hospitals Report Widespread Injuries

Dino Lopes, director of the adult emergency service at Maputo Central Hospital, reported that of the 66 injured, 57 were possibly caused by firearms, four were caused by falls, three were injured by physical aggression and two were injured by sharp weapons. Most of the victims were between 25 and 35 years old, with others as young as 15.

Tensions Run High in Capital

Thousands of people took to the streets of the capital Maputo yesterday, chanting "Frelimo must fall", barricading streets with burning tyres and throwing rocks. Reuters journalists saw police officers firing guns in the direction of the crowd, without pointing directly at protesters.

Human Rights Concerns Raised

Mozambique police have been accused by human rights groups of using live ammunition against political protesters in the past. The interior minister has defended the police response to recent demonstrations, saying it was necessary to restore public order.

Conclusion

The protests in Mozambique are a clear indication of the widespread dissatisfaction with the recent election results. The use of tear gas and firearms by the police has resulted in significant harm to civilians, and human rights groups are calling for an investigation into the allegations of police brutality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many people were killed in the protests?
A: At least three people were killed.

Q: How many people were injured in the protests?
A: At least 66 people were injured.

Q: What are the allegations against Frelimo?
A: The opposition claims that the election was rigged, and the country’s constitutional council has requested clarification from the electoral commission on discrepancies in the vote count.

Q: What is the response of the interior minister?
A: The interior minister has defended the police response, saying it was necessary to restore public order.

Q: What is the international community saying about the election?
A: Civil society groups and international observers have said that the vote did not meet democratic standards.