24 Oct 2024 | 07:24 PM UTC
Mozambique: Protest activity reported across country and likely to continue through at least late October following release of election results Oct. 24 /update 5
Officials declare ruling Frelimo party winner of Oct. 9 Mozambican general elections; related protest activity likely through late October.
Protest activity and clashes between demonstrators and police have been reported in multiple locations across Mozambique after the National Electoral Commission (Comissao Nacional de Eleicoes, CNE) declared on Oct. 24 that the ruling Mozambique Liberation Front (Frelimo) party won the country's Oct. 9 general elections. Frelimo candidate Daniel Chapo reportedly won the presidential race with more than 70 percent of the vote, and Frelimo secured 195 of the country's 250 parliamentary seats. Opposition parties have alleged that fraud marred the elections.
Opposition presidential candidate Venancio Mondlane, who finished second in the vote count and is affiliated with the Optimistic People for the Development of Mozambique (Podemos) party, has called for a nationwide shutdown and associated protests on Oct. 24-25 to denounce the election results. Thousands of demonstrators have participated in related protest activity in Maputo, Nacala, Nampula, and Chimoio, among other locations, with some protesters burning tires, blocking roads, and looting goods. Security forces have responded by firing tear gas and, in some cases, live ammunition at the demonstrators, killing at least one person in Nacala.
Supporters of the political opposition will likely stage additional protests across the country through at least late October. The protest activity will likely be concentrated in large urban areas, such as Maputo, Nampula, and Beira, as well as the northern provinces of Cabo Delgado, Niassa, and Zambezia. The demonstrations could draw thousands of participants. Some demonstrators will probably attempt to block roads, including with burning tires, and prevent businesses from operating. Further acts of looting and vandalism are possible.
Authorities will likely deploy a heightened security presence across the country, particularly near protest locations, and implement increased security measures. Such measures may include checkpoints, increased patrolling in urban centers, border restrictions, and curfew measures. Violence between opposing party members or involving security services is likely and will probably pose an incidental danger to bystanders. Disruptions to urban and intercity road travel, business operations, and telecommunications will likely occur during periods of widespread civil unrest or security operations.
Some foreign diplomatic missions have also warned of potential rallies and disruptions and advised their citizens to minimize unnecessary movements during such events.
Exercise caution while operating in Mozambique through late October. 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.
On Oct. 9, Mozambican citizens voted to elect a new president, parliament, and regional governmental officials. Election periods can be disruptive in Mozambique. Although the system is de jure democratic and multipartisan, accusations of fraud are common. The campaign and election proceeded relatively peacefully despite reports of ballot box issues and polling stations not opening. International observers also noted some irregularities.
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.
