Mozambique’s Election Fallout: Dozens Killed, Opposition Leader On The Run

On November 7, 2024, Mozambique’s capital city, Maputo, turned into a battleground as police clashed with thousands of protesters. The unrest followed the country’s October 9 presidential election, which the ruling party, Frelimo, claimed to have won by a large margin. Many Mozambicans, however, believe the vote was rigged. Frustrated by Frelimo’s nearly 50-year hold on power, people poured into the streets to support opposition candidate Venancio Mondlane, who insists the election was unfair.

This week’s protest dubbed the “Day of Freedom,” was the biggest so far and was marked by powerful scenes of defiance. Demonstrators, especially young people, marched toward Maputo’s city center, blocking roads with rocks and setting tires ablaze. Smoke and tear gas filled the air as riot police moved in, firing tear gas to disperse the crowds. Some of the protesters chanted “Venancio! Venancio!” while barricading main roads, including one that connects the city center to the airport. Des...