Human Rights Watch (HRW) reports that at least 11 people were killed and more than 50 injured as protests erupted over the disputed October 9 presidential election results in Mozambique.
Daniel Chapo, the candidate from the ruling Frelimo party, was declared the winner, sparking protests across the country. Chapo’s victory has intensified tensions, with the Frelimo party maintaining power since Mozambique’s independence in 1975.
Violence broke out as hundreds of opposition supporters protested, leading to confrontations with riot police. HRW reported that security forces were responsible for 11 fatalities and that over 50 people sustained severe injuries, including gunshot wounds, on October 24 and 25.
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Police officers were also injured, with eight reported cases. HRW interviewed 22 people, including victims, witnesses, medical staff, journalists, and officials, and revealed accounts of excessive force. Tear gas was reportedly fired into residential neighborhoods, exposing children as young as one year old to its effects.
A doctor also recounted treating multiple victims, including one person with a gunshot wound to the spine.
The Centre for Democracy and Human Rights (CDD), a local NGO, confirmed the death toll, identifying six casualties in Nampula province alone. Over 450 individuals were detained, primarily in Maputo, with at least 85 later released.
The police, while initially reporting 20 injuries, have yet to comment on HRW and CDD’s findings.
Mozambique’s electoral commission announced that Chapo won with 71% of the vote, while opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, backed by the Podemos party, garnered 20%. Alleging electoral irregularities, Podemos has filed a lawsuit seeking a recount.
European Union election observers also documented discrepancies, including result manipulation at various polling stations.
