The Commission declared ruling Frelimo party candidate Daniel Chapo the winner, with 70.67% of the votes, while Mondlane, representing Podemos, received 20.32%. Mondlane subsequently alleged electoral fraud, fueling public outrage.
The Rwandan community in Maputo was urged to take precautions due to concerns that protesters might target them. Social media rumors suggested that Rwandan forces stationed in Cabo Delgado had been deployed to Maputo to control the demonstrations. However, Rwanda refuted these claims.
Rwanda's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, recently announced that the Rwandan Embassy in Maputo would close on November 6 and 7, advising Rwandans to remain at home.
Jean Damascène Iyamuremye, the Deputy President of the Rwandan Community in Mozambique, spoke with IGIHE about the impact of the protests on the Rwandan community and their current situation following the third phase of demonstrations, which ended on November 7, 2024.
Iyamuremye clarified that relations between Rwandans and Mozambicans are generally positive, dismissing the rumors of Rwandan forces' involvement in Maputo as attempts by opportunists seeking to incite unrest and target Rwandan-owned businesses for looting.
'There is no real conflict between Rwandans and Mozambicans; we coexist peacefully. Those spreading rumors are opportunists aiming to justify looting by sowing divisions,' he stated. 'The Mozambican government, in collaboration with security agencies, has condemned such actions.'
The protests, however, have disrupted local businesses, including those owned by Rwandans selling food and beverages. According to Iyamuremye, looters have specifically targeted these businesses during chaotic episodes.
'Some protesters break into shops looking for food and beverages. Many shop owners have suffered substantial losses due to looting, and others fear they might be next, with no end to the unrest in sight.'
Human Rights Watch reported that as of November 7, the protests had resulted in up to 30 deaths, including three fatalities and 66 injuries on November 6 alone.
Iyamuremye reported that two Rwandans were injured during the protests. One was struck by a rock while assisting a friend whose shop was being looted, and the other was beaten by protesters after refusing to join them, as he was focused on carrying his goods.
He emphasized that these injuries were not due to the victims' nationality but rather were general acts of violence amid the unrest. Both individuals are now recovering well.
On November 11, Mondlane announced that a fourth phase of protests would take place from Wednesday to Friday, promising a more intense demonstration.
Iyamuremye advised Rwandans in Mozambique to heed guidance from local authorities and Rwandan representatives, staying home until further notice or an assurance of restored safety.
Meanwhile, Mondlane has taken his grievance to the Constitutional Court, requesting the annulment of the election results.
The Mozambican government has urged him to wait for the court's decision, but he remains defiant in his call for protests.
IGIHE
