Amnesty International reported that Mozambique’s security forces conducted a brutal crackdown on post-election protests, resulting in over 300 deaths and more than 3,000 injuries. Following the allegations of election rigging, large protests emerged in support of independent candidate Venancio Mondlane. The organization has called for investigations into the violence and accountability for those responsible for human rights violations.
In response to the post-election unrest, Mozambique’s security forces undertook a severe crackdown that lasted approximately three months. According to Amnesty International, this response led to the deaths of over 300 individuals and more than 3,000 injuries, as reported by local activists. The organization has urged Mozambican authorities to investigate these fatalities and hold accountable those responsible for the violations of human rights.
Following the presidential and parliamentary elections on October 9, 2022, thousands of Mozambicans engaged in protests. The elections, which resulted in Daniel Chapo of the Frelimo party being declared the winner, faced allegations of irregularities from both challengers and international observers. The protests predominantly supported Venancio Mondlane, an independent candidate backed by the opposition party Podemos.
Tensions escalated significantly after the assassination of Mondlane’s lawyer along with a Podemos official on October 18. Their killing, described by Mondlane as politically motivated, prompted him to call for a series of demonstrations lasting 25 days, in remembrance of the multiple bullets fired at the victims’ car. Mondlane left the country due to safety concerns but returned in January 2023.
Amnesty International’s report highlighted the use of excessive force by the Mozambican police and military against largely peaceful demonstrations. Eyewitness accounts indicated the use of live ammunition, rubber bullets, and tear gas against the protesters. The civil society group Plataforma DECIDE reported a death toll of 315 people during the protests, a stark contrast to the official figure of 96, which included both civilians and law enforcement officers.
In addition to the violence, mass arrests were commonplace, with Amnesty stating that over 4,000 individuals, including minors, were detained arbitrarily. Furthermore, reports indicated that internet service providers in Mozambique restricted access to social media platforms during critical moments of the protests, hindering communication.
Despite the heavy crackdown, the recent political meeting between President Chapo and Mondlane in March included a promise to investigate the protests’ fatalities. The Frelimo party’s historical dominance since Mozambique’s independence in 1975 has drawn scrutiny over its electoral integrity, with reports indicating systematic manipulation of votes.
The enduring legacy of the civil war that shaped Mozambican politics continues to influence the current governance landscape. While protests have diminished following the brutal response, violence still lingers within the country. Mondlane’s campaign organizers remain vulnerable, as illustrated by the recent shooting of one organizer, Joel Amaral, who survived but is currently hospitalized.
The recent report by Amnesty International exposes a harsh crackdown on protests in Mozambique following the controversial elections. The findings reveal a troubling pattern of violence, arbitrary arrests, and serious violations of human rights perpetrated by security forces. As calls for accountability grow, the need for transparent investigations into these incidents and their context becomes increasingly evident amid ongoing political tensions. Ensuring the protection of civil rights and addressing foundational issues in Mozambique’s political system will be essential for fostering stability going forward.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
