Mozambique: Police clash with opposition leader amid post-election tensions

Police in Mozambique fired tear gas at opposition politician Venancio Mondlane and his supporters during a press conference in Maputo, forcing them to flee.

The incident occurred near the location where his lawyer and a senior opposition official were killed by unidentified gunmen last Friday.

The violence comes amid rising tensions following disputed elections and calls for a nationwide shutdown. A journalist was injured during the confrontation, and police reported arrests in related protests. Mondlane, who challenged the ruling Frelimo party in the October 9 presidential election, had called for the shutdown to protest alleged electoral fraud.

Preliminary results show Frelimo candidate Daniel Chapo leading comfortably. The killing of opposition figures has intensified concerns, particularly as Mondlane’s lawyer was involved in preparing electoral result challenges.

The European Union and UN Secretary-General have called for an investigation into the killings. Frelimo, which has ruled Mozambique since independence in 1975, faces accusations of rigging elections, which it denies. Security forces have been criticized for using excessive force against peaceful protests. Mondlane revealed that police had attempted to prevent him from joining protests by surrounding his house, though he managed to leave undetected.

Streets in Maputo were largely deserted as many residents stayed home, either observing the shutdown or avoiding unrest. Police spokesperson Orlando Mudumane confirmed six arrests amid unrest in Maputo and the neighboring Gaza province.