Violence across Mozambique has led to the deaths of at least 125 people in just three days, as opposition protests over the presidential election results turn deadly, according to a report from a non-governmental organization.
The unrest follows the October 9 presidential election, which saw Daniel Chapo of the ruling Frelimo party, in power since 1975, declared the winner with 65.17% of the vote.
Despite concerns raised by international observers about potential irregularities in the election process, the country’s highest court upheld the results earlier this week.
The announcement triggered a wave of protests from opposition groups, which frequently escalated into violent clashes with police, widespread looting, and the burning of buildings, including supermarkets.
The government reported 21 deaths within the first 24 hours of unrest, which began on Tuesday, with violence spreading across several major cities.
On Wednesday, clashes at a prison near the capital Maputo led to the deaths of at least 33 inmates during a failed mass escape attempt.
The national police chief confirmed the tragic toll, adding to the growing number of casualties.
By Thursday, the NGO Plataforma Decide had updated the death toll to 125 people, raising the total number of fatalities linked to the election-related violence since October to 252.
The hardest-hit areas include the capital Maputo, the northern provinces, and Beira, the second-largest city.
In addition, more than 4,000 individuals have been arrested in connection with the protests, including 137 in the last three days alone.
Opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, who has been exiled, has vehemently criticized the election results, claiming the vote was rigged.
Mondlane further accused security forces of fostering unrest and looting in order to justify declaring a state of emergency and suppressing the protests.
