Brussels 30.12.2024 More than 250 people perished in Mozambique in clashes with the police and military while the protesters disputing the results of the presidential election.

Discontent appeared long before voters went to the polls in October. The Frelimo party, which has governed Mozambique since 1975, has faced allegations of election rigging for years. According to the final tally this time Frelimo’s candidate — Daniel Chapo — was declared the winner, with 65 percent of ballots cast. The Constitutional Council consent with the outcome sparked fresh nationwide protests by opposition groups and their supporters.

Meanwhile the top opposition candidate declared himself the actual winner and called on Mozambicans for a general shut down. As a result of the standoff the tires have burned in the streets; buildings have been looted and vandalized; angry mobs have erected informal pay-to-pass roadblocks; and hundreds of prisoners have escaped the cells, and are at large.

In the aftermath of the protests thousands have fled Mozambique for Malawi, authorities said, with many fording over rivers to escape violent protests following a court ruling verifying October election results that opposition parties claim are fraudulent.

“Given the complexity of the situation, we have not yet verified the exact number of arrivals. Registration efforts began today, and we will have a clearer picture once this process is complete,” the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) warned.

“We will then be able to assess how to direct them towards more permanent accommodation,” the UNHCR source added.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has dispatched former South African cabinet minister Sydney Mufamadi as his special envoy to engage stakeholders in Mozambique over the neighbouring country’s post-election crisis.

The South African government expressed concern over the ongoing protests and reports of individuals escaping from a maximum-security prison during this period of unrest.