On December 4, Mozambique witnessed a tragic escalation in its ongoing election-related protests, with at least five people killed and 22 injured by gunfire, according to the Decide Electoral Platform, a local monitoring NGO. Four of the fatalities occurred in the northern province of Nampula, while one was recorded in the southern capital, Maputo. The day also saw seven arrests and additional injuries: 14 in Nampula, seven in Cabo Delgado, and one in Maputo.
These incidents add to a grim tally from 41 days of unrest, spanning October 21 to December 1, which saw 76 deaths, 240 shootings, and over 3,000 arrests, as previously reported by the electoral platform.
Presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane, who disputes the results of the October 9 general election, has called for another week of nationwide protests, from December 4 to 11. In a statement on his official Facebook page, Mondlane urged citizens to gather in their neighborhoods and block main roads from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. “All neighborhoods are very active,” he wrote, encouraging participants to hold posters and stay within their local areas rather than traveling far.
The demonstrations follow a similar pattern to those held from November 27 to 29, with protesters ceasing vehicle traffic during the specified hours. At 3:30 p.m. each day, participants are asked to unite in singing the national anthems of Mozambique and Africa. This tradition continued on December 4, as groups gathered on major streets in several cities, including Maputo, to express their discontent peacefully but resolutely.
The protests underscore the deep tensions in Mozambique as citizens challenge the legitimacy of the electoral process, raising urgent calls for resolution and accountability.