UN human rights experts demand that Mozambique cease violence against protesters following disputed elections on October 9, 2023, which resulted in at least 30 deaths and 200 injuries. Reports detail police brutality and arrests of over 300 demonstrators, prompting calls for an investigation and greater protection of civil rights amid allegations of electoral fraud.
United Nations independent human rights experts have called upon the Mozambican authorities to take immediate action to prevent and end the ongoing violence and repression against demonstrators following the contentious general elections that took place on October 9, 2023. The presidential elections resulted in the ruling party Frelimo’s candidate, Daniel Chapo, emerging as the winner amid severe allegations of fraud and electoral irregularities. In the aftermath, widespread protests erupted, leading to violence that has claimed at least 30 lives, including that of a child, and left around 200 individuals injured. Reports indicate that security forces have employed violent and repressive measures against peaceful protesters, with the military being deployed in an attempt to suppress the unrest, which persisted until November 7. In addition, over 300 protestors have been arrested, while several incidents of violence against police have been reported, including one fatality. The UN experts have expressed grave concern over the violations of the right to life and excessive use of force against unarmed civilians. They have urged the authorities to conduct thorough and impartial investigations into these unlawful killings. In the context of these events, the United Nations experts highlighted the need for immediate measures to halt the violence and ensure that all citizens, particularly women and girls, can engage freely in the political process without fear of repression. Moreover, there have been disturbing reports of restrictions on media freedom, including harassment of journalists and intermittent disruptions to internet and mobile services, indicating a concerning trend of suppression against human rights defenders. No less significant is the experts’ insistence that law enforcement officials have a duty to respect the right to peaceful assembly, emphasizing the importance of ensuring public safety during protests. As international eyes remain on Mozambique, the UN experts have committed to monitoring the situation closely, recognizing the enduring implications that these violent acts may have on the country’s democratic institutions.
The situation in Mozambique has escalated following the general elections held on October 9, 2023, which have been marred by allegations of fraud and irregularities. The Frelimo party has maintained power since 1975, and recent election outcomes have sparked widespread dissent among citizens. Following these events, peaceful protests quickly turned violent as demonstrators sought to express their opposition to the ruling government’s practices, prompting a heavy-handed response from security forces and raising serious concerns regarding human rights violations. The unrest has highlighted ongoing issues surrounding electoral integrity, media freedom, and the protection of civil rights in Mozambique, underscoring the critical need for reform and accountability in the nation’s political landscape.
In summary, the situation in Mozambique following the October 2023 elections has become increasingly volatile, with grave human rights violations reported during protests against the outcomes. The UN experts’ call for immediate actions to address these violations, protect citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly, and ensure a free political process signifies the urgent need for the Mozambican government to reassess its approach toward dissent and civil liberties. The consequences of such violence not only challenge the country’s democratic framework but also undermine the safety and security of its citizens, warranting international attention and intervention.
Original Source: news.un.org
