MAPUTO, Mozambique — Mozambican authorities have threatened to deploy soldiers to quell post-election protests that have engulfed the country after the opposition rejected the results of elections that saw the ruling Frelimo party extend its 49-year term.

Thousands of people have taken to the streets to protest since the results of the presidential election were announced on October 24, declaring Frelimo candidate Daniel Chapo the outright winner, with the opposition preparing what it says will be the largest protests in the capital Maputo on Thursday.

Human rights organization Amnesty International said Wednesday that at least 20 people had died and hundreds more injured and arrested since the protests began. He describes the government’s response as the worst crackdown on protests in the country in years.

He also claimed that the government had repeatedly cut off internet access across the country and blocked media websites since last Friday.

The country’s Defense Minister, Cristóvão Chume, has threatened to deploy military forces to quell ongoing post-election protests, saying it is an attempt to overthrow the democratically elected government.

“If the escalation of violence continues, the armed forces will replace the police on the ground to protect the interests of the state,” Chume said on Tuesday.

The South African government on Wednesday closed the Lebombo side of the border it shares with Mozambique after receiving reports of vehicles being burned on the Mozambican side, it said.

“Due to these security incidents and in the interest of public safety, the port has been temporarily closed until further notice. This decision has been taken to ensure the safety of all cross-border carriers, travelers, traders and officials operating at the port,” the country’s Border Management Agency said in a statement.

Residents of Ressano Garcia, the border town that connects Mozambique and South Africa, looted trucks Tuesday night and placed barricades on roads to stop vehicle traffic. A truck was set on fire. Police fired tear gas to stop the looting, local media reported.

Police cleared barricades in several Maputo neighborhoods on Wednesday ahead of a major demonstration organized by election runner-up Venancio Mondlane, who won 20% of the national vote. Mondlane claimed widespread manipulation of the elections in favor of Frelimo.

Mondlane reportedly fled the country this week and his whereabouts remain unknown.

Doctors and other medical professionals also staged a demonstration this week to protest the impact of ongoing protests on civilians and medical facilities.

“In some health facilities, unfortunately, some services are starting to no longer function, including outpatient care, consultations. Unfortunately, even some vaccinations for children, which are very important,” said Napoleão Viola, president of the Medical Association of Mozambique.

The organization estimates that around 108 people injured during the protests have been treated.

“The last two weeks in Mozambique have been marked by completely unnecessary bloodshed as authorities attempted to stop a peaceful protest movement with deadly force,” said Khanyo Farise, Amnesty International’s deputy regional director. East Africa and Southern Africa. “The number of casualties increases every day as authorities deploy weapons of war, including guns and armored vehicles, on the city streets. People can’t even demonstrate at home without risking being tear gassed by the police.

Frelimo has often been accused of rigging elections, but the party has always denied this.

The European Union observer mission raised concerns shortly after the election, saying it had been unable to monitor counting in some areas and that there had been “unjustified tampering ” results in some polling stations.

A barricade burns Tuesday, November 5, 2024 in Mozambique’s capital Maputo on Tuesday, November 5, 2024 during protests that engulfed the country after the opposition rejected the country’s poll results that saw the Frelimo party extend its mandate 58 years old. ruler. (AP Photo/Carlos Uqueio)

Pedestrians next to a vehicle set on fire Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, in Maputo, Mozambique’s capital, during protests that engulfed the country after the opposition rejected the results of elections that saw the Frelimo party extend its mandate 58 years old. (AP Photo/Carlos Uqueio)