NGO raises death toll in post-election protests in Mozambique to 353

The Decide Platform said on Tuesday that at least 33 people have died in the last 41 days in protests in Mozambique, bringing the number of post-election deaths since October 21 to 353, well above the 80 deaths announced by the government.

According to the report by the Mozambican Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) that monitors the electoral processes, 135 people died in the province and city of Maputo , 87 in Nampula, 42 in Sofala, 37 in Zambézia, 15 in Tete, 12 in Inhambane, 11 in Gaza, eight in Manica, four in Cabo Delgado and two in Niassa.

Since January 15, the Decide electoral platform has also counted 47 people shot , bringing the number of injured to 3,500 , and around 259 people arrested , totaling 4,400 detentions during the clashes.

Speaking to Lusa, Wilker Dias, director of the Decide Platform, explained that, of the number of deaths, 320 were in the post-election context and 33 during the various demonstrations that have taken place in the country.

In turn, the Mozambican government confirmed this Tuesday at least 80 people dead, as well as the destruction of 1,677 commercial establishments, 177 schools and 23 health units , during the post-election demonstrations.

Mozambique has been experiencing a climate of strong social unrest since October, with demonstrations and strikes called by Venâncio Mondlane, who rejects the election results of October 9 that gave Daniel Chapo victory in the presidential elections.

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Currently, protests, now on a small scale, have been taking place in different parts of the country and, in addition to contesting the results, people are complaining about the rising cost of living and other social problems.

Mozambique President Daniel Chapo said on Monday he will combat post-election protests and ensure the country's independence and sovereignty.

“Just as we are fighting terrorism and there are young people who are shedding blood for the territorial integrity of Mozambique, for the sovereignty of Mozambique, to maintain our independence, here in Cabo Delgado, even if it means shedding blood to defend this homeland against demonstrations, we will shed blood,” said the Mozambican President.