Mozambique’s main opposition leader, Venancio Mondlane, has accused the country’s security forces of deliberately fueling looting and chaos to create conditions for the ruling party, Frelimo, to declare a state of emergency following controversial presidential elections.
The Constitutional Council confirmed on Monday that Frelimo, which has held power since Mozambique’s independence in 1975, won the October 9 presidential election.
Frelimo’s candidate, Daniel Chapo, reportedly secured 65.17% of the vote. However, Mondlane rejected the results, alleging widespread electoral fraud and declaring his intention to assume office despite the official outcome.
“Our protests are directed at the Constitutional Council, the election commission, and the Frelimo party, all of which are responsible for the fraud,” Mondlane stated on social media.
He further claimed that security forces have been deliberately passive amid the ongoing looting and unrest, suggesting authorities are “encouraging people to attack and steal” to justify imposing emergency measures.
“It is clear that these acts of vandalism are part of a plan… to declare a state of emergency,” he said.
The disputed election has triggered weeks of deadly violence, resulting in over 150 deaths, as reported by several NGOs, and a large-scale prison break in which more than 1,000 inmates escaped.
The US State Department has also expressed concern, with spokesperson Matthew Miller highlighting a “lack of transparency” in the election results. Miller urged all stakeholders to “avoid violence and engage in constructive dialogue to restore peace and unity.”
