Sunday, February 9, 2025

Violence Claims 21 Lives in Mozambique After Controversial Election Ruling

At least 21 people have died in violent protests across Mozambique following a court ruling affirming the Frelimo party’s victory in October’s presidential election. Opposition supporters, alleging widespread fraud, took to the streets in anger, sparking chaos in major cities and rural areas.

“The armed and defense forces will increase their presence in critical and key points,” Interior Minister Pascoal Ronda announced on Tuesday, warning that further arrests may follow. At least 78 people have already been detained for their involvement in the unrest.

The Constitutional Council’s Monday ruling upheld the victory of Frelimo candidate Daniel Chapo, who secured 65.17% of the vote. Opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane and his party have rejected the results, claiming the election was marred by voter intimidation, ballot stuffing, and counting irregularities.

Protests Turn Violent Nationwide

Protests erupted in cities like Maputo, Beira, and Nampula, with demonstrators blocking roads, burning tires, and vandalizing public buildings. Police responded with tear gas and live ammunition to disperse crowds, leading to deadly clashes.

READ MORE: 2025 Budget: FG Sets N27bn Aside for Obasanjo, Buhari, Gowon, and Others

Human rights groups have called for restraint, urging authorities to protect peaceful protesters. “The safety of demonstrators must be prioritized,” one activist stated, highlighting reports of security forces firing on crowds.

Rising Discontent Amid Deepening Crises

Mozambique’s political tensions have been compounded by widespread poverty, economic challenges, and an ongoing Islamist insurgency in the Cabo Delgado region. The Frelimo party, in power since independence in 1975, has faced long-standing accusations of consolidating power and suppressing dissent.

Experts warn the unrest risks further destabilizing the nation. “These protests reveal a deep-seated frustration with governance and inequality,” political analyst Armando Machava said.

Aid Struggles as Sudan Refugees Flee to South Sudan

In parallel, violence in Sudan has forced over 80,000 people into South Sudan in less than three weeks, according to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). Displaced families, mainly women and children, are fleeing fighting in the White Nile, Sennar, and Blue Nile states.

Nyarob, a South Sudanese returnee, described the harrowing escape: “When the army entered, there were gunshots and chaos. I immediately took my children and walked to the border.”

At the Joda border, resources are overwhelmed. Malnutrition rates have soared, and sanitation facilities are severely inadequate. “This place was built for a few hundred, but we now have over 5,000 people,” said Silva Alkebeh, Chief of Supply Logistics at UNHCR.

Despite efforts to provide aid, funding shortfalls mean many displaced families remain without basic necessities. UNHCR has urged the global community to step up support to prevent a worsening humanitarian crisis.

Hot this week

NDPC’s 127% Job Growth Signals Nigeria’s Digital Economy Potential …employed 23,000 in 2024

Nigeria’s data protection sector is proving to be a...

Proposed 31 New States Could Add Strain to Nigeria’s Fragile Economy – Mike Ozekhome

The Nigerian House of Representatives' proposal to create 31...

Trump Signs Order Barring Transgender Athletes from Women’s Sports

In a controversial move, U.S. President Donald Trump has...

Nigeria’s FX Reserves Drop by $1.16 Billion in January Amid Increased Dollar Sales to BDCs

Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves fell sharply by $1.16 billion...

How FRSC recovered 73 Stolen Vehicles Across Nigeria in 2024

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) made a breakthrough,...

Proposed 31 New States Could Add Strain to Nigeria’s Fragile Economy – Mike Ozekhome

The Nigerian House of Representatives' proposal to create 31...

Sam Nujoma, Namibia’s Founding Father, Dies at 95

Sam Nujoma, Namibia’s Founding Father, Dies at 95 Namibia is...

Tinubu’s Authority Challenged as GAC Backs Obasa’s Removal in Lagos

President Bola Tinubu’s long-standing dominance over Lagos politics is...

Trump Freezes Aid to South Africa Over Land Seizure Law

In a dramatic policy shift, President Donald Trump has...

Energy Independence: How Dangote Group Generates 1,540 MW for Its Operations

The Dangote Group, led by billionaire industrialist Aliko Dangote,...

Aging Infrastructure Drives NPA’s 15% Hike in Port Charges

Nigeria’s maritime industry is set for a shift as...

We Will Not Be Bullied’: Ramaphosa Responds to U.S. Criticism on Land Reform

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has vowed that his...

Related Articles

Popular Categories