Opposition leader Venancio Mondlane called on Tuesday for a nationwide shutdown in Mozambique deepening fears of prolonged violence and economic disruption.
The demand followed a night of protests in which police stations, bank branches and toll booths were attacked and set ablaze. Trade routes to South Africa were also targeted as police in armoured vehicles patrolled the centre of the capital Maputo.
On social media, Mondlane, the Podemos candidate, who has been in hiding abroad since the election, denounced the regime as illegitimate and illegal.
"We must carry on the fight, stay united and strong," he declared.
The central hospital in Maputo is operating under critical conditions, with more than 200 staff members unable to reach the site, Mouzinho Saide, the hospital's director, told AFP.
He reported receiving nearly 90 injured individuals, 40 of whom were wounded by firearms and four by bladed weapons.
The Constitutional Council, the highest court in Mozambique, confirmed on Monday the disputed 9 October election results that extended the Frelimo party's 50-year grip on power.
Daniel Chapo, Frelimo's presidential candidate, who was declared winner, immediately called for dialogue to overcome differences,. But his appeal appears to have fallen on deaf ears.
Ossufo Momade, the leader of the Mozambican National Resistance (Renamo), also rejected the results and called on the population to mobilise to save democracy.
Chapo secured 65 percent of the vote, the seven-judge bench ruled, revising down the initial results of nearly 71 percent, announced in November by the National Electoral Commission (CNE).
Mondlane remained in second place with 24.19 percent of the votes (compared to around 20 percent according to the CNE results).
Mozambique's highest court confirms Frelimo election victory
More fears
Political scientist Justino Quina told RFI that there has been an escalation of tensions on both sides. However, he warns that the country cannot endure periods of cyclical instability.
Maputo-based political and security risk analyst Johann Smith told AFP that he was convinced that there would be violence.
"The whole game changes on Monday," said Smith. "It will be a lot more intense and bloody.
"It's almost like the Southern African Spring," Smith added, in a reference to the Arab anti-government protests in North Africa in the early 2010s.
Call for calm
The Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) on Tuesday urged the parties involved in Mozambique’s electoral process to act with calm and responsibility. It said it was willing to support initiatives promoting peace and stability.
"We appeal to all parties involved to act with calm and responsibility, prioritising constructive dialogue as the most effective way to overcome differences and promote stability."
In its statement, the CPLP’s rotating presidency, held by São Tomé and Príncipe, stated it is monitoring the definitive results announced by Mozambique’s Constitutional Council.
On Sunday, Pope Francis also called for dialogue and goodwill to prevail over mistrust and discord in Mozambique.
Mozambique has been rocked by unrest since the election commission said Chapo won the vote. More than 130 people have died in protests, according to civil society organisations.
Mozambique violence fuelled by historical grievances and civil war politics
(with newswires)
