Police in Mozambique’s capital, Maputo, fired teargas and bullets to disperse protesters gathered at the site where two opposition figures were shot dead following a controversial election.
Witnesses reported police officers using handguns on the crowd, according to Reuters.
Adriano Nuvunga, director of Mozambique's Centre for Democracy and Human Rights, confirmed that bullets struck two journalists and a security guard but were not seriously injured. Efforts to reach police officials for comment were unsuccessful.
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The protest occurred as Mozambique awaits the official results of the national election held on October 9. Preliminary outcomes indicate another victory for the ruling Frelimo party, which has been in power since the country’s independence in 1975.
However, opposition leaders are contesting the results, claiming widespread electoral fraud. Civil society groups and international observers have raised concerns over vote rigging, with U.S.-based observers stating the election did not meet global democratic standards.
Issues such as voter intimidation, inflated voter rolls, and reports of vote buying were cited.
Protester Vladimir Manhique, a 32-year-old mechanic, expressed frustration, saying, "The police are escalating violence. We're here to demand truth and transparency in the election."
Several hundred demonstrators participated, some burning red Frelimo flags and throwing rocks in defiance. Mozambican police have previously employed live ammunition during political protests, including last year, when they justified the use of force to maintain public order.
Independent presidential candidate Venancio Mondlane announced that a nationwide strike had gained significant traction on Monday.
He urged protesters to disperse after the violent police crackdown. Maputo's streets were largely deserted, with many businesses remaining closed in a sign of the growing tension over the disputed election.
The situation remains tense as the country waits for the official results.
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