On Wednesday, Mozambican media reported that at least 50 people received gunshot wounds during protests that broke out in the capital region of Mozambique following the announcement of the final results of the presidential election.
African Union (AU) Commission chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat has called for a peaceful resolution to the situation in Mozambique following media reports about injuries and casualties as a result of protests.
The Bloomberg News agency reported on Wednesday, citing human rights organizations, that a total of 186 people had died since the protests began in October.
"The chairperson of the African Union Commission … continues to closely monitor the developments in Mozambique following the General Elections held on 9 October 2024. The chairperson expresses deep concern at the ongoing violence … which resulted in scores of people losing their lives … The chairperson further urges the government and all the national political and social actors to seek a peaceful solution to resolving the current crisis to avoid further loss of life and destruction of property," the organization said in a statement on Thursday.
Mahamat also called on local security forces to use force with restraint. In addition, he expressed deep condolences to those who lost loved ones as a result of the unrest.
The chairperson reiterated the union’s readiness to cooperate with the Mozambican authorities to stop the violence and protect the country's democracy, the statement added.
A general election was held in Mozambique on October 9, with preliminary results indicating Daniel Chapo, the candidate from the ruling party FRELIMO, in the lead for the presidency.
Independent candidate Venancio Mondlane voiced his disagreement with the preliminary results and called for widespread civil disobedience actions.
On Monday, the Constitutional Council of Mozambique confirmed the results of the October election. Following the announcement, riots started across the country.
