MOZAMBIQUE has deployed soldiers on the streets to help keep order following weeks of protests against the ruling party, which has been accused of rigging last month’s election to extend its 49 years in power.

Armed forces spokesman General Omar Saranga announced the deployment at a press conference on Thursday night, saying the army would support police in keeping order. 

Soldiers had already been deployed when he made the announcement, he added.

Mozambique is on edge, with the presidential palace under heavy guard and security forces constantly patrolling the streets. Many people have locked themselves in their homes.

“In moments like this, with demonstrations taking place in some regions, our role also extends to supporting security forces in maintaining public order and peace,” Gen Saranga said.

Thousands of protesters started fires and barricaded roads in the capital Maputo on Thursday, in the biggest demonstration since the October 9 election. Police fired tear gas and rubber bullets.

Frelimo candidate Daniel Chapo was declared the winner of the presidential election two weeks ago, continuing the party’s dominance of Mozambican politics since independence from Portugal in 1975.

Opposition parties have accused Frelimo of election fraud and international observers said the vote was not free and fair.