The Chiúre District woke up on December 23rd anxious to follow the ceremony for the validation and proclamation of the results of the elections held on October 9th.
The day was characterized by high expectations among the people, even with the effects of Cyclone Chido, which left the district in the dark. Despite this, people turned to solar panels to charge their phones to at least follow the proclamation of the results.
By the end of the day, everything was calm, with the only noticeable presence being police officers stationed along the main streets of the town to maintain order and public tranquility, which remained so until around 6 PM, when the riots started, marked by the burning of tires on National Road 106. This is the main entry corridor to Cabo Delgado province, where there is a checkpoint and a toll gate at the entrance of the province, near the Lúrio River.
The situation was at least controlled by the authorities yesterday, but the effects remained. The most severe impact, so far, is now beginning to unfold.
The Municipal Town of Chiúre has three (3) fuel stations: PUMA EAST AFRICA and TOTAL. Of these, at least one was vandalized by Cyclone Chido and is inoperable, PUMA, leaving two (2) functional stations.
Among these two, the one most trusted by the people of Chiúre is EAST AFRICA, because fuel does not run out here; within a few hours, it is being replenished. When fuel is available, people come to buy fuel or gasoline in their cans and then resell it in other parts of the town at a price of 100 meticais per liter, which is the equivalent of 50 meticais for half a liter.
With the validation and proclamation of the election results, and the announcement of Daniel Francisco Chapo and Frelimo as the winners of these elections, a wave of anger spread across the population, particularly in large cities such as Nacala-Porto, where the largest port in the northern region of the country and neighboring inland countries is located, alongside large fuel depots for domestic use.
The protests, which culminated in demonstrations, saw cars loaded with fuel, but unable to leave due to the fear of protesters, leaving Chiúre town with a fuel shortage, particularly gasoline. Here, people started to sell fuel at higher prices, with one liter of gasoline, which previously cost 100 meticais, now costing 200 meticais, a price where, at the pumps, one can buy more than two liters.
With these fuel prices, life has become more expensive for the people of Chiúre due to the protests against the election results of October 9th. Those who ride motorcycles or cars with gasoline can only afford it if they have a stable income. (Celestino Carlos)
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