MAPUTO, Mozambique — Violence engulfed Mozambique following the confirmation of the ruling Frelimo party’s presidential candidate, Daniel Chapo, as the winner in disputed elections held on October 9. Authorities reported that at least 21 people were killed, including two police officers, as of Tuesday.
Mozambique’s interior minister, Pascoal Ronda, stated in a news conference in Maputo that the wave of violence and looting was triggered by the court’s announcement made a day earlier. The unrest was primarily led by supporters of the losing candidate, Venancio Mondlane, who secured 24 percent of the vote compared to Mr. Chapo's 65 percent.
“From the preliminary survey, in the last 24 hours, 236 acts of violence were recorded throughout the national territory that resulted in 21 deaths, of which two members of the police of the Republic of Mozambique also died,” Mr. Ronda reported. He added that 13 civilians and 12 police officers were injured in the unrest.
Additionally, Mr. Ronda noted that 25 vehicles were set ablaze, including two police vehicles. A penitentiary was also attacked and vandalized, resulting in the release of 86 inmates.
Tensions had been escalating in the country ahead of the Constitutional Council ruling on Monday, and violent protests erupted immediately after the announcement.
Social media footage depicted protesters burning and looting shops in both Maputo and the city of Beira.
Mr. Mondlane has called for a “shutdown” starting Friday. The country, home to 34 million people, has faced increasing unrest since the October 9 election, with Mr. Mondlane’s supporters, primarily young people, taking to the streets and sometimes encountering gunfire from security forces.
Since the initial results were announced by the electoral body, more than 150 individuals have died due to post-election violence.