30 Oct 2024 | 02:43 PM UTC
Mozambique: Opposition calls for week-long protests from Oct. 31 following election results /update 7
Further opposition protests likely in Mozambique through early November following Frelimo electoral victory; increased vigilance required.
Opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, supported by the Optimistic People for the Development of Mozambique (Podemos) party, has called for nationwide demonstrations near the National Electoral Commission (Comissao Nacional de Eleicoes, CNE) and Mozambique Liberation Front (Frelimo) offices Oct. 31-Nov. 7 following the announcement of the general election results. He has also called for a demonstration in Maputo on Nov. 7.
The action is in reaction to the Oct. 24 results, which state that the ruling Frelimo party won the Oct. 9 election. The results have yet to be certified by the Constitutional Council, which is reviewing appeals. The opposition Podemos, United Patriotic Front (FPU), and the Democratic Movement of Mozambique (MDM) have rejected the results. As of Oct. 30, at least 47 protesters were reportedly killed in post-election violence and over 460 arrested; authorities have also reported that 60 police officers were injured. Police have opened a case against Podemos candidate Venancio Mondlane for his alleged instigation of the violence.
Thousands of protesters are likely to join nationwide rallies in the coming days. Protest activity will likely occur in large urban areas, such as Maputo, Beira, and Nampula, as well as the northern provinces of Cabo Delgado, Niassa, and Zambezia. In Maputo, movements will likely concentrate near Frelimo and CNE offices near Kenneth Kauna Avenue and Joaquin Chissano Avenue. Demonstrations could lead to road blockages and acts of arson; shutdowns could lead to business and public services closures. Increased security is likely nationwide, especially near protest locations. Security measures may include checkpoints, increased patrolling in urban centers, border restrictions, internet and telecommunication blackouts, and curfews. Violence between opposing party members or involving security services is likely and will pose an incidental danger to bystanders. Peripheral incidents of criminal violence, not necessarily connected with the election, are possible.
Some foreign diplomatic missions have warned of potential rallies and disruptions and advised their citizens to minimize unnecessary movements during such events.
Exercise caution while operating in Mozambique through early November. Avoid all gatherings, political events, election-related activities, and concentrations of security forces. Avoid displaying overtly yellow clothes as they may be associated with the political opposition. Exercise caution near police offices and government buildings. If clashes break out, leave the area immediately and take shelter in a secure, nongovernmental building. Reconfirm appointments and plan for increased employee absenteeism during strike actions. Monitor local news for information on possible curfews and road conditions. Heed the advice of local authorities. Do not attempt to pass through police checkpoints without authorities' permission. Maintain contact with diplomatic representations.
On Oct. 9, Mozambican citizens voted to elect a new president, parliament, and regional governmental officials. Election periods can be disruptive in Mozambique. Opposition parties called the process fraudulent before the election results were announced, and Mondlane claimed an early victory. The Podemos party, which backs Mondlane, called for a nationwide strike on Oct. 21 following the killings of two of its high-ranking members, which Podemos alleges were politically motivated. A related gathering in Maputo was dispersed by police with tear gas and live ammunition. Mondlane then called for a two-day nationwide shutdown Oct. 24-25 in anticipation of the release of election results.
On Oct. 24, the CNE confirmed Daniel Chapo, Frelimo’s new leader, as President with 70 percent of the vote; Frelimo secured 195 of 250 parliamentary seats and won all provincial governorships. Over half of registered voters abstained. Nationwide protests were reported in the following days, with reports of road blockages and acts of minor arson; police responded by firing tear gas and live ammunition. On Oct. 25, amid protests, there were reports of an internet blackout in Maputo. On Oct. 27, protesters reportedly vandalized a police office in Chalaua, Nampula Province.
