In the wake of contested national elections, Mozambique faces a grim reality as the government, led by Frelimo, confronts urgent calls for investigations into more than 300 unlawful killings during a brutal crackdown on protests. Amnesty International stresses the necessity for public accountability regarding widespread human rights violations reported since demonstrations erupted on October 21, 2024, following the tragic deaths of two opposition figures.
Tensions escalated nationwide as protests erupted shortly after the election results indicated Daniel Chapo, the Frelimo candidate, leading against his opponent from PODEMOS, Venancio Mondlane, triggering allegations of vote rigging. In a chilling response, security forces utilised lethal force against protesters, leading to scores of deaths, injuries, and arbitrary detentions, as Amnesty reported over 700 wounded and thousands detained amidst horrific accounts of torture.
As the violence mounted, President Chapo’s administration is urged to demonstrate a commitment to justice by initiating thorough and independent investigations into these gruesome events. Amnesty’s Deputy Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Khanyo Farisè, highlights the need for clear timelines and public transparency regarding investigation outcomes, alongside reparations for victims and survivors of this tragic crackdown.
Despite the turbulent aftermath of the October elections, reports of human rights abuses persist, intensifying public outrage and a cycle of violence. The security forces’ unyielding clampdown, coupled with allegations of abductions and lingering violence, underscores the government’s duty to protect its citizens from such egregious acts. In the words of Farisè, “The election is over, but reports of human rights violations have not stopped.”
Currently, accountability remains elusive as no perpetrators have faced justice for their actions during this violent period. Recent announcements from the Criminal Investigation Service suggesting ongoing investigations have failed to provide updates, deepening mistrust. The authorities must urgently clarify the status of various investigations and openly address the necessity for full transparency regarding all human rights violations that have unfolded since the elections.
Mozambique’s government faces significant backlash over more than 300 reported unlawful killings during post-election protests, igniting calls for urgent investigations and accountability. Security forces are accused of using lethal force, leading to widespread human rights violations, while Amnesty International demands transparency in addressing these abuses. As the nation grapples with unrest, the need for effective measures to protect citizens and investigate wrongdoing becomes critically imperative.
The crisis in Mozambique illustrates dire human rights abuses amidst post-election unrest, demanding urgent investigations into over 300 unlawful killings by security forces. With ongoing repression, including arbitrary detentions and abuses, calls for accountability grow louder. It is imperative that the authorities take impactful steps to rectify this grim reality, ensuring the protection of citizens and transparency in government actions to heal the deep wounds inflicted upon the nation.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
