Crackdown on Moz protest

CASUALTIES: DEATHS REPORTED IN WAKE OF RIOTS OVER PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION RESULT

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At least 30 people were killed in Mozambique in almost three weeks of crackdowns on protests over a disputed presidential election, said Human Rights Watch (HRW) yesterday.

"At least 30 people were killed between 19 October and 6 November across the country," HRW said.

The toll did not include violence recorded on Thursday when police and soldiers dispersed thousands of demonstrators in the capital Maputo.

The nation has been rocked by violence since the Frelimo party, which has been in power for almost 50 years, won a 9 October election with more than 70% of votes.

President Filipe Nyusi is expected to step down early next year at the end of his two-term limit, handing over to Daniel Chapo.

Leading opposition candidate Venancio Mondlane, backed by the Podemos party, came second in the presidential race, with 20% of the vote, but said the results were "false".