Mozambique's Tumultuous Post-Election Protests

Police in Mozambique's capital, Maputo, dispersed protesters with teargas and bullets, following a disputed election. The protest, linked to claims of electoral fraud by ruling party Frelimo, saw injuries but no serious wounds. Tensions rose as opposition calls for electoral transparency clashed with police intervention.

Tensions escalated in Mozambique's capital, Maputo, on Monday as police used teargas and live bullets to disperse protesters. The demonstration was sparked by the killing of two opposition figures in the aftermath of a controversial election, which has been marked with allegations of fraud against the ruling party, Frelimo.

Protesters, determined to voice their discontent over the electoral process, clashed with police forces. Adriano Nuvunga, from the Centre for Democracy and Human Rights, confirmed that two journalists and a security guard were struck by bullets but suffered no serious injuries. The demonstrations highlighted widespread dissatisfaction with the election process, allegedly tainted by corruption and manipulation.

Amid the chaos, independent candidate Venancio Mondlane called for calm, emphasizing national strikes and encouraging protesters to disperse. As businesses shuttered in support of the strike, the quiet streets of Maputo stood in stark contrast to the turmoil of the protests, underscoring the deep-rooted political tensions in Mozambique.

(With inputs from agencies.)