Mozambique's opposition leader suspends election protests for five days to allow human rights assessments, amid ongoing unrest and violence following the disputed presidential election.

Mozambique's opposition leader, Venancio Mondlane, announced on Sunday that demonstrations against the outcome of the October 8 presidential election would be paused for five days. This pause is intended to allow humanitarian groups and international bodies to assess the human rights situation in the country. Mondlane also mentioned that former heads of state from southern Africa are interested in mediating the crisis.

On the same day, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa sent his national security advisor to Maputo in response to growing unrest in Mozambique. South Africa, which shares a border with Mozambique, has investments in sectors such as mining, energy, and construction.

In November, protests in Mozambique led to the temporary closure of the Lubombo border crossing after vehicles were torched on the Mozambican side. Mondlane, who claims the election was rigged, has vowed to install himself as president despite being outside the country.

Last week, Mozambique’s top court upheld the victory of Daniel Chapo from the ruling Frelimo party, albeit with a reduced margin. Since the protests began in October, over 250 people have been killed, with local civil society groups stating that most victims were shot by security forces.