Maputo, Mozambique – The streets of Mozambique’s capital were charged with tension on Friday as supporters of opposition presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane staged large-scale protests, rejecting the official results of the October 9 general elections. Chanting the national anthem, demonstrators in the Maxaquene neighborhood called for “electoral justice” and refused to acknowledge the legitimacy of President Daniel Chapo, the candidate of the ruling Frelimo party.
A Chorus of Defiance
The protests, marked by symbolic acts of defiance, saw hundreds gather along Avenida Vladimir Lenin, a major thoroughfare, singing the national anthem in unison. Arminda Ambrósio, a 26-year-old protester, described the anthem as a rallying cry for truth.
“By singing the national anthem, we are demanding that the will of the people be respected,” Ambrósio said. “We voted, and our votes must count. We won’t stop until justice is restored.”
The demonstrations have intensified since Mondlane, the opposition leader, openly rejected the election results, which awarded Chapo 70.67% of the vote. The protests, which have continued for three consecutive days, are part of a broader campaign to pressure authorities into addressing allegations of electoral fraud.
Voices from the Streets
Orlando Alberto, 25, was among those who responded to Mondlane’s call to action. “They stole our votes,” he said. “We’re here to demand the truth. We will not rest until our voices are heard.”
The protests have been concentrated in Maxaquene, a neighborhood that has become a flashpoint for post-election unrest. Emílio Maúte, a 45-year-old resident, criticized the electoral process, describing it as opaque and manipulated.
“It’s not transparent,” Maúte said. “We voted for change, and that change is being denied. We will not accept these results.”
Amid barricades erected by demonstrators, slogans criticizing Frelimo and supporting Mondlane echoed through the streets. Timóteo Vilas-Boas, another protester, accused the ruling party of fabricating results to cling to power.
“These results were made in back rooms,” Vilas-Boas alleged. “We are singing for our fallen brothers and sisters who fought against this oppressive regime. If blood must be shed for our rights, so be it.”
Growing Unrest and Clashes with Police
The demonstrations, while largely peaceful, have occasionally turned violent. On Wednesday, clashes between protesters and police resulted in at least six injuries, including a young woman who was struck by a military vehicle. The Maputo Central Hospital confirmed treating the injured, highlighting the risks faced by those participating in the protests.
In a bid to escalate pressure, Mondlane called on citizens to leave their vehicles on the streets with protest posters from 8 a.m. each day. This tactic, aimed at paralyzing the city, has led to significant disruptions and increased tensions between demonstrators and security forces.
International Attention and Calls for Sanctions
The political crisis has attracted international attention. The opposition has reached out to former U.S. President Donald Trump via social media, urging him to intervene. In response, Trump advised Mozambican leaders to seek dialogue and warned of potential sanctions if the impasse continues.
The death toll from the protests has climbed to around 70, with more than 200 injuries reported, as violent clashes continue to erupt across the country. Despite these challenges, Mondlane remains defiant, insisting that the protests will not cease until the election results are overturned.
A Nation at a Crossroads
The National Electoral Commission (CNE) announced Chapo’s victory on October 24, but the results have yet to be validated by the Constitutional Council. As tensions escalate, Mozambique faces a critical juncture, with the potential for further unrest if a resolution is not reached.
For now, the streets of Maputo remain a battleground, with protesters determined to reclaim what they believe was stolen from them: their vote and their voice.