Mozambique Protests Erupt After Controversial Election

Mozambique is experiencing significant unrest following the announcement of presidential election results favoring the ruling Frelimo party, leading to widespread accusations of electoral fraud and violent protests. South Africa has closed its border with Mozambique due to safety concerns, as clashes have resulted in at least 20 fatalities and numerous injuries since the protests began. The Mozambique police have reportedly used live ammunition against demonstrators, a decision defended by the interior minister as necessary for maintaining order. Opposition leader Venancio Mondlane has called for mass protests, asserting that the election results are false and urging a restoration of electoral integrity. In response to the escalating crisis, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has scheduled an emergency meeting to address the situation. The turmoil reflects deep-seated frustrations among the populace over decades of Frelimo's rule and their demands for political change.