Mozambique: Police resort to lethal force in largest demo in state’s history

Protestors in Mozambique organized what is believed to be the biggest demonstration yet against the ruling government, Frelimo on Thursday after being declared winner of a disputed election in October.

Election authorities declared Frelimo as winners on Oct. 9 , which extends its 49-year rule. Human rights groups say at least 18 people have been killed in the police crackdown on protests since then.

Director of Mozambique’s Centre for Democracy and Human Rights, Adriano Nuvunga, said the country had never seen such large demonstrations.

Reports indicate that many society groups and Western observers also said the election was unfair and that results were altered. The party has been accused of vote-rigging in previous polls and has denied it. This sparked smaller protests last year.

Neither Filipe Nyusi and successor, Daniel Chapo have made any comments with regards to the demonstration. However, Defence minister, Gen. Cristóvão Artur Chume has threatened to deploy the army and warned against attempts to grab power.

By: Kobina Baidoo