Mozambique Bans Protests Amid Election Unrest

Mozambique is experiencing severe unrest following the disputed presidential election results announced on October 24, which declared Frelimo candidate Daniel Chapo as the winner. Post-election protests have led to violent clashes with police, resulting in at least 30 deaths and hundreds of injuries and arrests, prompting the government to ban demonstrations, labeling them as 'acts of terrorism'. Interior Minister Pascoal Ronda has called for public cooperation to quell the protests, while opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane continues to challenge the electoral process and has called for further protests. Human Rights Watch has reported significant violence against protesters and restrictions on media freedoms, including internet shutdowns. UN human rights experts have urged the Mozambican government to stop the repression of journalists and protesters and to conduct impartial investigations into the violence. The situation has severely impacted local businesses, with losses estimated at €354 million due to the unrest.