Post-election riots in Mozambique: UNHCR “deeply alarmed”

Post-election unrest in Mozambique forced at least 3,000 people to flee their homes during the last week of December, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has warned. The UN agency said in a report published on December 31 that 2,000 people had crossed the border during this period into neighboring Malawi, while another 1,000 people had arrived in Eswatini.

“We are deeply alarmed by the current situation in Mozambique, where escalating violence has forced thousands of people to flee,” said Chansa Kapaya, UNHCR regional director for Southern Africa. Mozambique has been shaken for almost two months by violent riots following the results of the October 9 elections which declared the victory of Frelimo, the party in power since independence.

According to the local NGO Plataforma Decide, the post-election riots left at least 252 dead as of December 26, including at least 125 deaths just during the period from December 23 to 26, i.e. the three successive days of the confirmation of the re-election of Daniel Chapo by the Constitutional Council on December 23.

On November 7, the Mozambican government deployed military forces to quell protests, particularly in Maputo, the country’s capital. On November 19, opposition leader Venancio Mondlane was accused of plotting a coup. In early December, protesters set fire to two government buildings.

“Critical” situation in Malawi and Eswatini

Cited by UNHCR, several people who fled to Malawi said they escaped attacks and looting in their villages during the riots. In Eswatini, many new arrivals say they have lost their businesses and businesses due to the violence. “Refugees and civilians face immense risks, losing their livelihoods and relying on humanitarian aid,” says Chanza Kapaya.

According to the UNHCR, the situation in Malawi and Eswatini is becoming “critical”, with the growing number of refugees and asylum seekers putting a strain on already very limited resources. “While we are grateful for the generosity of Malawi and Eswatini, immediate support is crucial to address the worsening crisis and prevent further suffering,” she warned.

Protests in Mozambique began after the October 9 vote, when the electoral commission declared victory for the ruling Frelimo party. Opposition candidates, civil society groups and observers have declared the elections “fraudulent.” Although Daniel Chapo won 65% of the vote, the opposition continues to demand “electoral justice”, calling the election “stolen”.

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