Mozambique’s capital, Maputo, is slowly returning to normal after a period of chaos, but fear still grips the city in the wake of violent unrest triggered by the ruling party’s controversial election victory. Looting and vandalism have left residents anxious, and essential supplies like food, fuel, and medicine are running dangerously low.
Adding to the turmoil, over 1,000 prisoners escaped from a high-security facility, sparking wild rumors and prompting local communities to organize patrols for protection.
Maria Amelia, a 55-year-old cleaner from the nearby area of Matola, recounted a night of terror when she was woken by her neighbor warning of machete-wielding men roaming the streets. Though she saw no attackers, the fear of danger was palpable, as she and others armed themselves with knives for protection.
Armand Tembe, a 40-year-old bank worker, expressed growing anxiety about the situation. He had heard rumors of criminals on the prowl but had yet to see any. “It’s getting scary,” he said. “I don’t know where this is heading.” As rumors spread, citizens were left to patrol their neighborhoods overnight, unsure of what was real and what was imagined.
NEWS DESK
PRESS UPDATE