Mozambique has seen consistent violence since its October 9 - the day the election vote was announced. The election was declared to be won by the Frelimo party. Now, citizens take to the streets in hopes to forcefully end their 50-year run.
The ongoing protests in Maputo, Mozambique, focusing on the ruling party Frelimo, are a critical part of the country's fight for better governance. This surge of demonstrations, driven by demands for political reform and social justice, highlights the depth of public discontent and the quest to build a fairer society.
Frelimo has led Mozambique since its independence in 1975, but its grip on power is increasingly challenged. Economic hardships are at the forefront of public frustration, particularly in urban centres like Maputo, where living costs have skyrocketed. For example, from 2022 to 2024, the inflation rate rose by approximately 15%, significantly impacting households' ability to afford basic necessities. Many residents find themselves unable to meet their daily needs, with reports indicating that over 60% of the population are living below the poverty line. This situation becomes more dire with rising unemployment rate -currently estimated at around 25% - youth unemployment adds another layer to the discontent. An alarming statistic shows that about 40% of educated youth are unemployed, resulting in a generation feeling hopeless and marginalized. This has further increased the gap between the rich and the poor in the country.
Citizens are concerned about the government corruption that has compounded these issues. Activists highlight that in recent years, several high-profile corruption cases, involving millions of dollars, went unpunished. This lack of accountability has fuelled calls for reform and change within the government.
Thursday 7th November's protests was the biggest yet since Frelimo was declared the winner of the October 9, extending its 49-year rule. Large crowds of mostly young men have taken to the streets, burning tyres and waving signs in support of the opposition leader Venancio Mondlane. Mondlane says the recent vote was rigged, sharing the sentiment with thousands of people across the country, he urged for a week long protest. These protests have not been met without retaliation from the police, which many protestors are crying out against their violence. Protesters marching towards the city centre claim that tear gas was used on them by police, as well as other atrocious methods of dispersing the crowd, including opening gun fire. “they have used live gunfire over the last two weeks on several occasions,” said Al Jazeera’s Malcolm Webb, reporting from Maputo. Amnesty International report at least 20 people to have been killed in the protests since the election – the local NGO (the Centre for Democracy and Human Rights) puts this figure at 24.
The current President Filipe Nyusi is expected to step down early in 2025, marking the end of his two-terms. He is set to hand over power to Frelimo’s Daniel Chapo - the winner of October 9th presidential election with a resounding 71 percent of the vote - this was confirmed by the National Electoral Commission. Mondlane, has requested a ballot recount, as there is overwhelming doubt that the results are not reflective of the true desires of the people of Mozambique.
Human rights violations and limiting the freedom of citizens has played a crucial role in these protests. Demonstrators assert that the Frelimo party has repeatedly suppressed challenges against their leadership. For example, the arrests of activists for peacefully raising their voices against corruption, and blacklisting civil society organizations who are rallying together to advocate for more political participation and transparency. Not only this, but authorities have also restricted internet access across the country. The Human Rights Watch calls this an effort to “suppress peaceful protests and public criticism of the government”.
It's unknown whether a recount will take place, and unlikely that Frelimo's candidate will concede. As for Mondlane, in his most recent comments to the media he expressed that he could not disclose his whereabouts, but mentioned that he is not currently in Africa. He left Mozambique last month, following the unrest and anticipate that things will become even more tense. It is unknown when he will return, due to safety concerns.
As the situation develops, the hope remains that the cries for change will be heard. The future of Mozambique hinges on the actions taken today, aimed at creating a society that represents and serves all its people. The commitment to democracy and social justice cannot fade; it must grow as more citizens become involved in shaping their destinies.
More to follow on this story.
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