Social media access was restricted across Mozambique on Thursday, the second time in a week, according to the internet monitoring group NetBlocks. The restriction follows a contentious presidential election on October 9, with the opposition calling for a national strike in protest of what it claims was a flawed and unfair vote.
The ruling Frelimo party, which has held power for nearly half a century, was declared the winner, securing another term with an official 71 percent of the vote. However, opposition parties, including Podemos and key electoral observers, argue that the election was marred by irregularities.
‘Near-total disruption’
NetBlocks, a UK-based watchdog, confirmed the social media restrictions, affecting platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. ‘We can confirm social media restrictions have been imposed in Mozambique,’ said the organisation, which had reported a similar blackout on October 20 following the election’s announcement.
At the time, NetBlocks noted a ‘near-total disruption to mobile internet connectivity,’ raising concerns among rights groups and the public alike. Reports of violent crackdowns on post-election protests have only intensified the already charged atmosphere in Mozambique.
Growing protests and deadly clashes
The day after the results were announced, opposition supporters took to the streets, facing swift and heavy-handed responses from the police. Human Rights Watch (HRW) reported that at least 11 people lost their lives in clashes on October 24-25, with over 50 others injured. Police acknowledged post-election violence but provided limited information, stating that 20 people were injured and two were confirmed dead.
In a new development, opposition leader Venancio Mondlane of the Podemos party, who garnered 20 percent of the vote, called for a nationwide strike from October 31 to November 7. His social media messages urged citizens to ‘paralyse’ the nation from Cabo Delgado in the north to the capital, Maputo.
Capital under lockdown
While it remains uncertain how widespread Mondlane’s strike will be, Maputo resembled a ghost town on Thursday as businesses and schools closed in anticipation, AFP reported. Police issued warnings via text messages, urging citizens to avoid ‘acts of sabotage,’ while the public prosecutor’s office reiterated that while peaceful protest is a fundamental right, ‘those causing harm to persons or property will be prosecuted.’
Disputed election results
Podemos President Albino Forquilha, echoing the call for justice, pledged that the opposition would strive to keep the protests peaceful, although he emphasised the need for Mozambicans to ‘fight for justice.’ Observers from the European Union have criticised the election process, noting significant irregularities before, during, and after the polls.
In response to growing pressure, the Constitutional Court requested that the electoral commission submit detailed results, including polling station records and minutes from Maputo and six other provinces, within eight days. The appeal for a recount, led by Mondlane’s Podemos party, marks an unprecedented challenge to Frelimo’s dominance.
Mozambique now stands at a crossroads, with social media restrictions symbolising broader efforts to stifle dissent amid calls for accountability and transparency in the election process.
