Mozambique’s Defence Minister, Cristovao Chume, has threatened military intervention to stop ongoing protests aimed at overthrowing the government.
The unrest erupted after the controversial results of the October 9 election, where the ruling Frelimo party claimed victory. Rights groups report at least 24 deaths from police crackdowns on demonstrations since the vote.
Chume condemned the violence, saying it “sows hatred between brothers and destroys infrastructure.” He asserted, “There is an intention to change the democratically established power.”
His warning precedes a planned protest in Maputo by opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, dubbed “the day of Mozambique’s freedom.”
Human Rights Watch noted that at least 18 people have died during the unrest, with the Centre for Democracy and Human Rights confirming a total of 24 fatalities.
Chume acknowledged the death of a police officer in the protests and stressed that investigations into police actions are ongoing.
As tensions escalate, Frelimo’s Daniel Chapo is set to succeed President Filipe Nyusi in January. Nyusi assured the public, “When my time comes, I’ll leave and I don’t want to stay for a minute.”
Mondlane continues to mobilize supporters through social media, while civil society groups challenge internet restrictions that limit protests.
