Mozambique’s President Daniel Chapo has sacked Police Chief Bernadino Rafael due to allegations of police brutality during elections. Consistent accusations have surfaced regarding Rafael’s alleged collaboration with criminal groups to suppress protesters. Joaquim Sive replaces Rafael as part of Chapo’s efforts to restore public trust and reform the police amid ongoing civil unrest following disputed election results.
Mozambique’s new President Daniel Chapo has dismissed Police Chief Bernadino Rafael amid serious allegations of police brutality during the recent disputed elections. Rafael has faced accusations from opposition leaders regarding his collaboration with criminal factions to abduct and silence protesters, claims he refutes. This significant decision represents Chapo’s first major step to reform the security sector as he grapples with restoring public confidence and addressing the nation’s pressing economic challenges following months of unrest.
The political landscape in Mozambique remains tense as widespread demonstrations erupted due to allegations of electoral fraud, leading to Frelimo’s continued dominance after nearly five decades in power. Human rights organizations report that since the disputed elections, approximately 300 individuals have lost their lives during protests. Although Rafael contends that only 96 fatalities occurred, including 17 police officers who acted in self-defense against violent protestors, concerns persist regarding the police’s tactics in managing civil unrest.
Reports by the Mozambique Centre for Human Rights and Democracy detail how agents from the elite National Criminal Investigation Service (Sernic) infiltrated protests posing as civilians, subsequently identifying and targeting participants for arrest and violence. This resulted in significant civilian casualties and transformed neighborhoods into conflict zones. The police have also denied involvement in the targeted killings of aides to opposition figure Venâncio Mondlane, who has been at the forefront of the protests.
Following Rafael’s dismissal, Joaquim Sive has been appointed as the new police chief. Sive previously led police operations in Sofala and Nampula but faced scrutiny in 2019 when multiple deaths occurred during a Frelimo rally. Observers had urged President Chapo to remove Rafael as part of broader reforms to address the ongoing crisis and restore public trust in governmental institutions.
The situation in Mozambique remains precarious as the new administration seeks to navigate through a period marked by recent violence, allegations of injustice, and calls for accountability. Public sentiment hinges on the government’s ability to implement meaningful change in security practices and policy.
This recent reshuffling in leadership underscores President Chapo’s intent to tackle the issues within the police force while also addressing the climate of fear and unrest that pervades the country.
In Mozambique, the political environment has been increasingly fragile since the recent elections marred by allegations of fraud. The ruling party, Frelimo, has sustained nearly fifty years of governance, generating significant opposition unrest. The political turmoil has led to extensive protests against the government, revealing a discontented populace. President Daniel Chapo’s administration is under intense scrutiny to restore order and economic stability while addressing the allegations against law enforcement’s handling of dissent. The appointment of Joaquim Sive as the new police chief marks an attempt to shift the dynamics within the police force as part of a more extensive reform agenda.
The dismissal of Police Chief Bernadino Rafael represents President Daniel Chapo’s commitment to addressing issues of police brutality and restoring public trust. As protests continue to highlight the struggle for justice in Mozambique, the new leadership must effectively navigate this crisis. The choice of Joaquim Sive as Rafael’s replacement will be pivotal in managing ongoing tensions and fostering a more accountable police force amid increasing demands for democratic governance.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
