Panafrican News Agency

At least 21 killed in Mozambique unrest after top court’s election decision

Maputo, Mozambique (PANA) - At least 21 people have been killed in unrest since Mozambique’s top court confirmed the governing party Frelimo’s victory in disputed elections, the interior minister said Wednesday.

The dead include at least two police officers, Interior Minister Pascoal Ronda said at a news conference on Tuesday.

A total of “236 acts of serious violence were reported” since Monday across the Portuguese-speaking African country, in which at least 25 people were wounded, including 13 police officers, he said.

The protests began after Frelimo was confirmed the winner by the Constitutional Council. Protesters and opposition groups say the October 9 vote was rigged.

Seventy-eight people have been arrested so far and security measures have been tightened across the country, Ronda told public broadcaster TVM. 

“The armed forces will increase their presence in critical and key points,” he said.

Frelimo has been repeatedly accused by opponents and election observers of rigging votes. It has denied the accusations.

-0- PANA RA 25Dec2024