Mozambique has recently been in the news due to escalating violence and unrest following the disputed presidential elections held on October 9, 2024. Protests erupted in response to allegations of electoral fraud, leading to a heavy-handed crackdown by security forces. Reports indicate that at least 30 people have died in clashes between demonstrators and police, with Human Rights Watch highlighting the tragic deaths of children during these confrontations. The situation has drawn international attention, prompting calls for the government to ensure civic and political freedoms.
Mozambique, officially the Republic of Mozambique, is located in southeastern Africa, bordered by the Indian Ocean to the east, Tanzania to the north, and South Africa to the southwest. The country gained independence from Portugal in 1975 after a protracted liberation struggle. Mozambique has a diverse culture influenced by its various ethnic groups and colonial history. Despite its rich natural resources, including natural gas and minerals, the nation faces significant challenges, including poverty, political instability, and the impacts of climate change, which have exacerbated humanitarian crises in recent years.