MAPUTO, Mozambique (AP) — Mozambique has sent soldiers into the streets to help maintain order after weeks of protests against the ruling party accused of rigging last month’s elections to extend its 49 years in power.
Spokesperson for Mozambique’s armed forces, General Omar Saranga, made the announcement at a news conference late on Thursday evening, saying the army would support police in maintaining order. Soldiers had already been deployed when he made the announcement, Saranga said.
The country of 34 million people in southern Africa is on high alert, with the presidential palace under heavy guard and security forces constantly patrolling the streets. Many people lock themselves in their homes.
“At times like these, when demonstrations take place in some regions, our role also extends to supporting security forces in maintaining law and order and peace,” Saranga said.
Thousands of protesters set fires and barricaded roads in the capital Maputo on Thursday in the largest demonstration since the October 9 elections. Police fired tear gas and rubber bullets.
The ruling Frelimo party’s candidate, Daniel Chapo, was declared the winner of the presidential election two weeks ago, continuing the left-wing party’s dominance of Mozambican politics since independence from Portugal in 1975.
Opposition parties have accused Frelimo of ballot box stuffing and other election fraud, while international observers said there were problems with the vote and that it was not free and fair. Frelimo has often been accused of manipulating national and local elections to retain power. The Constitutional Council has not yet validated the election results, which it must do to be recognized.
Current Frelimo President Filipe Nyusi will step down after serving the two terms allowed under the constitution.
Protests began almost immediately after the election, prompting a police crackdown. Police have been accused by rights groups of firing live bullets at peaceful demonstrations and international groups say at least 20 people have been killed by security forces. Mozambican rights groups say the death toll is much higher.
Anger also increased after two senior opposition figures – a lawyer and a party spokesman – were killed by unknown gunmen, who ambushed them in their car and fired at least 25 shots at them, their party said.
The regional Southern African Development Community has convened a special summit for later this month, when Mozambique will be high on the agenda. Neighboring South Africa has closed its main border crossing with Mozambique and increased security for its part.
___
AP Africa News: https://apnews.com/hub/africa
