Why Mozambique's election has sparked weeks of protests and a violent crackdown by police
Thousands are protesting in Mozambique’s capital and police are responding by firing tear gas and rubber bullets as weeks of post-election unrest continued in the southern African country
CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — Thousands protested in Mozambique's capital on Thursday and security forces responded by firing tear gas and rubber bullets, as weeks of post-election unrest continued in the southern African country.
The protests were sparked by a vote last month that will keep the ruling party in power for more than a half-century amid allegations of rigging.
Opposition parties and many citizens have rejected the results of the Oct. 9 presidential election as fraudulent and growing protests in the capital, Maputo, and other cities have been met by deadly force from police. Thursday's protest was the biggest yet.
International rights groups say at least 20 people have been killed by police since the unrest began nearly a month ago, while local groups say the death toll is more than 50. Authorities are threatening to deploy the army as protesters set fires on the streets and burn ruling party offices.
