What's happened
Following a disputed presidential election in Mozambique, protests have erupted, resulting in at least 10 children killed and many injured. The unrest stems from allegations of electoral fraud and the ruling party's extended grip on power. Calls for dialogue have emerged, but tensions remain high as security forces respond violently to demonstrators.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to AP News, Mozambique's security forces have killed at least 10 children during protests, with Human Rights Watch reporting widespread violations. The Independent highlights the opposition's claims of electoral fraud and the government's denial. All Africa reports on Venancio Mondlane's proposal for dialogue, emphasizing the need for broader representation in discussions. The situation remains tense, with the potential for further violence as protests continue.
How we got here
Mozambique's recent presidential election on October 9, 2024, saw Daniel Chapo of the ruling Frelimo party declared the winner amid allegations of fraud. Protests erupted after the deaths of two opposition figures, escalating tensions and leading to violent clashes with security forces.
More on these topics
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Mozambique, officially the Republic of Mozambique, is a country located in Southern Africa bordered by the Indian Ocean to the east, Tanzania to the north, Malawi and Zambia to the northwest, Zimbabwe to the west, and Eswatini and South Africa to the sout
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Filipe Jacinto Nyusi is a Mozambican politician serving as the fourth President of Mozambique since 2015. He is the current leader of FRELIMO, the party that has governed Mozambique since its independence from Portugal in 1975.
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FRELIMO, from the Portuguese Frente de Libertação de Moçambique, is the dominant political party in Mozambique. Founded in 1962, FRELIMO began as a nationalist movement fighting for the self-determination and independence of Mozambique from Portuguese
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Daniel Francisco Chapo (born 6 January 1977) is a Mozambican politician. He served as the governor of Inhambane Province from 2016 to 2024. He is the candidate of the ruling political party, FRELIMO, for the 2024 presidential election.
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Human Rights Watch is an international non-governmental organization, headquartered in New York City, that conducts research and advocacy on human rights.