Mozambique has plunged into turmoil following a ruling by the country’s Constitutional Council affirming the victory of Daniel Chapo, the ruling Frelimo party’s candidate, in the contentious October 9 presidential election. The announcement has ignited widespread violence, claiming at least 21 lives, including two police officers, and leaving dozens injured.

Interior Minister Pascoal Ronda disclosed during a late-night press briefing in Maputo that 236 violent incidents were recorded across the nation in just 24 hours. The unrest, largely attributed to supporters of losing candidate Venancio Mondlane, has resulted in extensive destruction. Among the casualties, 13 civilians and 12 police officers sustained injuries, while 25 vehicles, including two police patrol cars, were set ablaze. Protesters also stormed and vandalized 11 police stations and a penitentiary, enabling the escape of 86 inmates.

The violence, marked by looting and arson, erupted almost immediately after the court’s ruling on Monday. In Maputo and Beira, Mozambique’s largest cities, shops were ransacked, public property destroyed, and local officials forced to flee as tensions boiled over. Videos circulating online reveal scenes of chaos, with fires consuming buildings and crowds clashing with security forces.

Mondlane, who secured 24% of the vote compared to Chapo’s 65%, has called for a nationwide “shutdown” starting Friday, a move that has further inflamed the volatile situation. His supporters, predominantly young Mozambicans, accuse the ruling party of electoral fraud and have taken to the streets in defiance. Their demonstrations have been met with brutal crackdowns, including gunfire from police and military forces.

Since the contentious election results were first announced, more than 150 people have lost their lives in post-election violence. The October 9 election, which drew sharp criticism from international observers over transparency concerns, has plunged the country of 34 million into a deepening political crisis.

As unrest grips the nation, the government faces mounting pressure to restore order and address the grievances of the opposition. Meanwhile, the death toll and destruction continue to climb, casting a dark shadow over Mozambique’s fragile democracy.