The United States, Britain, Canada, Norway, and Switzerland jointly condemned the escalating violence against civilians in Mozambique on Wednesday.
The southern African nation is grappling with unrest following disputed election results that sparked protests from opposition supporters.
“We urge the Mozambican government to ensure security forces protect civilians and uphold their rights,” the countries said in a joint statement.
Public anger has grown since last month’s election, with the opposition alleging fraud in the victory of Frelimo’s candidate, Daniel Chapo.
Chapo is set to succeed Filipe Nyusi as Mozambique’s fifth president, extending Frelimo’s uninterrupted rule since independence in 1975.
Tensions escalated when footage surfaced showing an armored vehicle running through a crowd in Maputo, injuring a woman.
Mozambique’s army expressed regret, describing the incident as an accident involving a marked military convoy.
International embassies have called for an independent investigation into the incident to determine accountability.
The local group Plataforma Decide reported at least 67 deaths linked to the unrest between mid-October and mid-November.
As protests persist, Mozambique faces mounting international pressure to ensure peace and safeguard its citizens’ rights.