Mozambique's security forces killed at least 10 children and injured dozens during protests over a disputed presidential election. Hundreds of minors were detained unlawfully, and at least 30 people have died in the unrest. The protests, sparked by allegations of election fraud and political violence, have led to widespread closures and the deployment of the military.

Mozambique's security forces killed at least 10 children and injured dozens more in their efforts to suppress weeks of protests following a disputed presidential election, according to Human Rights Watch, which issued the report on Monday.

The rights group also reported that security forces detained hundreds of minors, some for extended periods, violating international law. These detentions have occurred since the election results were announced a month ago.

The unrest in the southern African country began after the ruling party's candidate was declared the winner of the October 9 election, despite claims of fraud by the opposition and criticism of the vote from international observers, including a European Union delegation.

While Mozambican authorities have not released specific details on the number of people killed or detained in the protests, they have acknowledged that some demonstrations turned violent and required intervention by security forces to suppress them.

Daniel Chapo, who was declared the election winner on October 24, is set to extend the Front for the Liberation of Mozambique party's (Frelimo) 50-year rule since the country gained independence from Portugal in 1975. Chapo will succeed President Filipe Nyusi, who has reached the limit of two terms in office.

The Frelimo party, a leftist movement, has faced allegations of electoral manipulation to maintain its grip on power. While there were violent protests following last year's local elections, the current unrest represents the largest challenge to the party’s longstanding rule.

The protests erupted in Maputo, the capital, and spread to other major cities after two senior opposition figures were fatally shot by unknown gunmen in an attack on the night of October 18. Their party labeled it a political assassination.

In response, thousands joined protests sparked by social media calls from independent presidential candidate Venancio Mondlane, who lost to Chapo. Mondlane, fearing for his safety, has left the country, citing the fact that his lawyer was one of the two opposition members killed in an ambush on a Maputo street. No arrests have been made in connection with these killings.

International rights organizations report that at least 30 people have been killed by security forces firing live ammunition at protesters, while local Mozambican groups put the death toll at around 50. The Mozambique Bar Association reported earlier this month that it had secured the release of over 2,700 detainees, many of whom were minors.

The ongoing protests have led to school and business closures, with many Mozambicans staying home out of fear. The government has deployed the army to maintain order amidst the unrest.