Post-electoral: Chapo condemns violence in Mozambique protests and warns of “unemployment” due to vandalism

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Post-electoral: Chapo condemns violence in Mozambique protests and warns of “unemployment” due to vandalism

8:33 CAT | 30 Dec 2024

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File photo: TVM

The secretary-general of Frelimo and presidential candidate declared the winner by the Mozambican Constitutional Council, Daniel Chapo, expressed regret on Friday over the deaths during clashes with the police in protests against the election results, warning of “unemployment and misery” due to vandalism and destruction.

“We note that this wave of protests (…) has devolved into violence, with the destruction of public and private property, deaths of fellow citizens, bodily harm of various kinds, road blockages, and waves of looting, pillaging, and theft. This type of action only contributes to the country’s regression and pushes more Mozambicans toward unemployment and misery,” reads a statement sent to the media.

Mozambique, especially the city and province of Maputo, is experiencing its fifth day of protests, which have plunged the streets into chaos, as demonstrators challenge the election results announced on Monday by the Constitutional Council (CC). These results declared the ruling Mozambique Liberation Front (Frelimo) the winner of the parliamentary elections and Daniel Chapo the victor of the presidential race.

The announcement of the results led to clashes between protesters and police, with barricades erected on major streets, destruction of public and private property, and other incidents.

Daniel Chapo called for an end to the violence in the streets, appealing for everyone’s cooperation in pursuing national security.

“We extend my heartfelt condolences to all those who lost their loved ones due to violent protests. This irreparable loss not only shakes the families of the victims but also poses a real threat to the development of our country,” the statement said.

According to Daniel Chapo, as cited in the document, “the looting, vandalism, destruction of public and private property (…) is an attack on social harmony, dignity, and is far from being a solution to the country’s problems, which range from terrorist attacks, lack of adequate public transportation, quality education, improved healthcare services, and even unemployment, which may increase as a result of the anticipated collapse of some businesses.”

At least 252 people have died in post-election protests since October 21, half of whom died following the announcement of the final results on Monday, according to a new tally by the Decide electoral platform.

Since last Monday, the NGO has recorded 224 people shot, bringing the total to 569 since the start of the protests on October 21, along with 4,175 detentions.

The Mozambican Constitutional Council declared on Monday that Daniel Chapo, the candidate supported by the Mozambique Liberation Front (Frelimo), had won the presidential election with 65.17% of the votes, succeeding Filipe Nyusi. Frelimo also retained its parliamentary majority in the general elections held on October 9.

This announcement triggered chaos across the country, with pro-Venâncio Mondlane protesters—who, according to the Constitutional Council, received only 24% of the votes—taking to the streets with barricades, looting, and clashes with the police, who have been firing shots to attempt to disperse the demonstrators.

Source: Lusa