Mozambique’s opposition leader Venancio Mondlane has declared three days of mourning for 50 people he says were killed by security forces during protests following the October elections.
In a Facebook address, Mondlane demanded a recount of the disputed vote, which the electoral commission awarded to the ruling Frelimo party.
He accused authorities of shooting peaceful demonstrators, calling the victims “martyrs of change.”
While the police have not confirmed the death toll, human rights groups report at least 65 deaths.
Mondlane urged his supporters to wear black but avoid the streets to prevent further violence.
The Frelimo party’s candidate, Daniel Chapo, is expected to take office in January if the election results are upheld.
Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, are calling on the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to address the violations and demand respect for democratic rights in Mozambique.
