Post-election violence in Mozambique has left 21 people dead, Interior Minister Pascoal Ronda said, as unrest erupted after the country’s top court confirmed the victory of the ruling Frelimo party in the election, a vote that has been controversial since the start.
Interior Minister Pascoal Ronda told a news conference that two police officers were among the dead. The African country has reported 236 serious incidents of violence since Monday, with at least 25 people injured, including 13 police officers.
The protests began after the Constitutional Council declared the Frelimo party the winner. Protesters and opposition parties say the October 9 vote was rigged.
Pascoal Ronda told state broadcaster TVM that 78 people had been arrested so far and security had been beefed up across the country. He added that the armed forces would increase their presence at key points.
Opposition parties and election observers have accused the vote of fraud. Frelimo has denied all allegations.
Supporters of opposition candidate Venancio Mondlane began the protests on Monday night, after the Supreme Court declared the ruling party’s Daniel Chapo the winner of the presidential election.
Protesters have been accused of attacking and vandalizing police stations, petrol stations, banks and other establishments. Tires have been set on fire and roads have been blocked in various places.
