Mozambique’s opposition leader, Venancio Mondlane, announced on Monday that he is considering temporarily suspending protests for five days. This pause would allow international organizations to enter the country and investigate alleged human rights abuses by police during the ongoing unrest, which began in late October.
The protests erupted after the ruling Frelimo party declared Daniel Chapo the winner of the presidential elections with 71% of the vote, a result Mondlane disputes, claiming he actually won. The Constitutional Council later affirmed Chapo’s victory but reduced his vote share to 65%, sparking more violent protests.
Mondlane indicated that further protests are likely, but for now, he is focused on ensuring international oversight of the situation.
In response to the escalating violence, South Africa has bolstered security along its border with Mozambique to combat potential cross-border crime. The South African government has engaged diplomatically with Mozambique to restore stability and security.
The protests, fueled by allegations of election fraud, have claimed at least 277 lives, most from gunfire by security forces. Over 1,500 prisoners also escaped from Maputo Central Prison, adding to the country’s security crisis. Thousands of refugees have fled the violence to neighboring Malawi, further straining the region.
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