MOZAMBIQUE: Police Use Tear Gas on Protesters Amid Election Dispute and Border Closures

In Mozambique, police used tear gas to disperse large crowds of protesters gathered in Maputo to contest the October 9 election results. According to AFP, thousands were on the streets Thursday morning, with riot police deploying tear gas as tensions rose.

The opposition has accused the ruling FRELIMO party of electoral fraud, an allegation that has intensified unrest, reportedly resulting in at least 18 deaths, as reported by Human Rights Watch. FRELIMO's candidate, Daniel Chapo, won with 70.67% of the vote, while independent candidate Venancio Mondlane received 20.32%, and RENAMO’s Ossufo Momade came in third with 5.81%.

Security forces have been patrolling the streets to prevent gatherings. Following a police officer’s death over the weekend, Defense Minister Cristavao Chume warned of potential military action "to protect the interests of the state."

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk expressed concern, urging police to "refrain from using unnecessary or disproportionate force" and to manage protests in accordance with international human rights obligations.

Opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, who is currently abroad for safety reasons, described this as a "crucial moment" for Mozambique, suggesting a "revolutionary atmosphere" and a potential historic shift. Backed by the Podemos party, he claims the election results were fraudulent and that he was the true winner.

In response to the unrest, port and terminal operations in Mozambique were suspended, while South Africa partially closed its Lebombo border crossing. Authorities have since allowed Mozambicans stuck on the South African side and trucks that had delivered goods in Maputo to cross back into South Africa.