 "A barricade burns Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024 in Mozambique's capital, Maputo,Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024 in protests that have engulfed the country after the opposition rejected the results of the country's polls which saw the Frelimo party extend its 58-year rule. Photo- AP")
Following weeks of protests against the ruling party, which has been accused of rigging last month’s election to extend its 49 years in power, Mozambique has deployed soldiers on the streets to maintain law and order.
Thousands of protesters set fires and barricaded roads in the capital, Maputo, on Thursday in the biggest demonstration since the Oct. 9 election. Police fired tear gas and rubber bullets. The country, with a population of 34 million remains tense with the presidential palace heavily guarded and security forces patrolling the streets as many residents stay indoors.
Armed forces spokesperson Gen. Omar Saranga announced the move during a late-night press conference on Thursday, stating that the army would assist police in ensuring public safety. Soldiers had already been stationed in various areas at the time of the announcement.
“In moments like this, with demonstrations taking place in some regions, our role also extends to supporting security forces in maintaining public order and peace,” Saranga said.
The ruling Frelimo party’s candidate, Daniel Chapo, was declared the winner of the presidential election two weeks ago, continuing the leftist party’s dominance of Mozambican politics since independence from Portugal in 1975.
Opposition parties have accused Frelimo of stuffing ballot boxes and other election fraud, while international observers said there were problems with the vote and it was not free and fair. Frelimo has often been accused of rigging national and local elections to keep power. The Constitutional Council has not yet validated the results of the election, which it must do for them to be recognized.
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Protests erupted immediately after Mozambique’s election, leading to a police crackdown accused of using live bullets against peaceful demonstrators. International human rights groups report at least 20 deaths, though Mozambican rights organizations claim the toll is much higher.
Tensions escalated further after two senior opposition figures—a lawyer and party spokesperson—were killed in an ambush by unidentified gunmen who fired at least 25 rounds at their car.
In response, the Southern African Development Community has scheduled a special summit later this month, with Mozambique’s situation expected to be a central topic. Meanwhile, neighboring South Africa has closed its primary border crossing with Mozambique and increased security on its side.
With inputs from agencies.