Mozambican police engaged in violent confrontations with opposition supporters on Thursday as tensions escalated following last month’s disputed elections.
Police officers fired teargas at hundreds of opposition supporters gathered in the capital Maputo to protest against the October 9 vote.
The elections extended the ruling Frelimo party’s reign which began when the southern African country gained independence in 1975.
Thursday’s protests, promoted as the “Day of Freedom” by presidential candidate Venancio Mondlane, drew significant support from the disenchanted youth of Mozambique.
Although Mondlane officially placed second in the election, he claims to have won and has galvanised a strong following.
Security forces were heavily deployed along the main highway into Maputo where groups of protesters attempted to enter the city on foot.
Demonstrators set fires and blocked roads, signalling escalating unrest.
There were reports of looting of shops in the capital.
The outcome of the elections are hanging in the balance after the country’s Constitutional Council this week ordered the electoral commission to clarify discrepancies in the vote tally within 72 hours.
JN/APA