The cities of Nampula and Nacala-Porto are in turmoil as riots engulf the streets, leading to a violent response from law enforcement authorities. Rubber bullets and even real gunfire have been deployed to quell the unrest, resulting in a rising number of arrests, injuries, and deaths in both locations. Demonstrators, including supporters of the Renamo political party, have taken to erecting barricades and causing extensive damage to private property.
In Nampula, a tragic incident unfolded as a 10-year-old child was struck by a bullet while leaving school amidst the chaos. Another individual was shot in the Namicopo neighbourhood. Additionally, a police officer in Nampula was allegedly attacked by the population and suffered serious injuries, ultimately succumbing to his wounds at Nampula Central Hospital.
Meanwhile, in Nacala, a man was fatally wounded by a blunt object in the Nacala Central Market.
In Nacala-Porto, unrest erupted following the announcement of election results by the National Electoral Commission in Maputo. Without delay, young people organized themselves and began pelting stones at commercial establishments and vehicles. The police responded with force, firing shots into the air. The gunfire continued throughout the night, persisting as this article was being composed.
This morning, Nampula awoke to the aftermath of the riots—streets littered with barricades and vandalized vehicles. The police continued to use firearms in their efforts to restore order. Trade activities have been paralyzed, and reports indicate that some demonstrators are being apprehended by the authorities. Gunshots can still be heard echoing through several neighborhoods, particularly in Namicopo, Namutequeliua, and Muahivire.
The overall atmosphere remains tense, with a prevailing sense of unease gripping the affected cities.
In an unexpected development, the Anglican Bishops have broken their silence on the matter and issued a public plea to Bishop Carlos Matsinhe, who oversees the National Elections Commission, urging him to uphold the law and champion the truth.
In a pastoral letter penned on October 22nd, prior to the CNE’s approval of the election results, the Anglican Council of Mozambique (CAM) emphasized the critical importance of electoral bodies, particularly Bishop Matsinhe, adhering to the principles of the Electoral Law and practicing transparency and integrity.
The Anglican bishops justified their appeal by asserting that the Mozambican people, as voters, place their unwavering trust in the authorities to embody honesty, integrity, transparency, respect, and truthfulness. They reminded Bishop Matsinhe and his counterparts that Jesus Christ himself emphasized the significance of truth, declaring that it sets humankind free.
Furthermore, the Anglican Church expressed its concern over potential “failures of electoral management” and the potential interference of external entities in the electoral process.
The bishops, who stand alongside Bishop Matsinhe, underscored that the CNE is a governmental entity and not affiliated with any particular religion or church, including the Anglican Church itself. They called upon any political parties who believe they have been treated unfairly to seek resolution through the proper channels of justice, adhering strictly to the laws of the land.
In their concluding remarks, the bishops assured that they are fervently praying for the success of the elections, acknowledging the vital roles played by the CNE, the Technical Secretariat for Electoral Administration (STAE), government officials, politicians, and the Mozambican people as a whole.
In the midst of these trying times, Mozambique continues to grapple with the repercussions of unrest, prompting calls for unity, adherence to the rule of law, and an unwavering commitment to justice and transparency.
