Mozambique rioting claims 21 lives following a high court ruling on elections

The interior minister of Mozambique reported late on Tuesday that at least 21 people had been murdered in disturbances following the confirmation of the election victory by the long-ruling Frelimo party by the country’s top court on Monday.

Mozambique’s Constitutional Council’s ruling provoked new statewide demonstrations by opposition parties and their followers, who claim the vote was manipulated.

Interior Minister Pascoal Ronda told public station TVM that security has been reinforced nationwide and that so far, 78 individuals have been detained. “The armed and defense force will increase its presence in critical and key points,” he stated.

Opponents and election observers have accused Frelimo of vote-rigging on several occasions. It has refuted those charges.