Medical associations in Mozambique reported that at least 10 individuals were shot dead and another 63 injured during protests following the recent elections.
The unrest erupted last week after the electoral commission declared that the ruling party, Frelimo, had secured victory in the October 9 elections, extending its nearly 50-year rule. Opposition candidates, civil society organizations, and observers have claimed the election was manipulated.
The electoral commission has refrained from addressing the fraud allegations, while Frelimo has not responded to requests for comment.
In response to the protests, police deployed tear gas and live ammunition. Interior Minister Pascoal Ronda stated on Tuesday that the protests turned violent, necessitating security forces to restore order, which led to fatalities.
A joint statement from the Medical Association of Mozambique and the Order of Doctors reported that from October 18 to 26, there were 73 recorded shooting incidents resulting in 10 deaths. However, the actual numbers may be higher, as many victims did not seek hospital treatment. Human Rights Watch has confirmed 11 deaths and noted that over 50 individuals sustained serious gunshot wounds.
Tensions escalated after an opposition party lawyer and official were shot dead in their vehicle three days post-election, prompting calls for an investigation from the U.S. government and others.
Presidential candidate Venancio Mondlane, who finished second in the official results but claims to be the legitimate winner, has called for renewed protests starting Thursday for a week.
In the capital, Maputo, traffic was noticeably heavier on Wednesday as residents prepared for potential unrest by stocking up on food and supplies.
