Mozambique police fired on a peaceful opposition parade, injuring 16, including children. The event led by Venancio Mondlane was disrupted without warning near a scheduled political agreement signing. Human Rights Watch condemned the police actions, citing serious human rights concerns and the necessity for accountability and reform in law enforcement practices.
On March 5, 2025, Mozambique police opened fire on a peaceful opposition parade in Maputo, injuring at least 16 individuals, including two children, as reported by Human Rights Watch. The event, led by former presidential candidate Venancio Mondlane, featured participants celebrating and dancing, but abruptly turned violent when police intervened.
The parade, which consisted of a convoy of six vehicles, had progressed without incident for approximately three kilometers before police were deployed in anticipation of a political agreement signing. This agreement, involving President Daniel Chapo and other political parties but excluding Mondlane, aimed to initiate a two-year dialogue to address the post-electoral crisis in Mozambique.
Ashwanee Budoo-Scholtz, Deputy Africa Director at Human Rights Watch, condemned the police’s actions: “The Mozambican police’s use of lethal force against participants in a peaceful parade shows disturbing disregard for life and the law.” Budoo-Scholtz called for a thorough investigation into the incident, emphasizing the need for accountability for those responsible.
Since October 2024, there has been a significant increase in protests across Mozambique regarding the contested 2024 election results and escalating living costs. Human rights abuses by security forces during these protests have been widely reported, including over 300 unlawful killings.
At around 1 p.m. on the incident day, Mondlane’s convoy encountered an armored police vehicle near the Hulene Expresso interchange. Observers reported that without warning, police opened fire with tear gas and live ammunition on the crowd, causing panic among participants. Witness accounts described the sudden transition from celebration to chaos.
A local shop owner recounted, “things changed from a lively party to war zone within seconds.” Another participant noted hearing gunshots and encountering police with weapons aimed at the crowd. Evidence at the scene included spent tear gas canisters and bullet shells, indicating the extent of violence inflicted upon the demonstrators.
Police spokesperson Leonel Muchina justified the use of tear gas, claiming that the parade disrupted traffic. He contended the actions were necessary to prevent disturbances during the signing ceremony scheduled for later that afternoon. However, Mondlane’s spokesperson clarified that their convoy’s intended destination was different from that of the signing event.
Despite the claims, Muchina admitted ignorance regarding the use of live bullets during the incident, mentioning ongoing investigations into injuries caused by gunfire. On March 9, Justice Minister Mateus Saize expressed concern over the excessive use of live ammunition by police, advocating for the adoption of non-lethal methods to prevent violent escalations.
The events in Mozambique on March 5, 2025, underscore significant issues regarding police conduct during public demonstrations. The government’s response, alongside international human rights standards, emphasizes the need for stringent measures to prevent violence against peaceful protesters. The call for accountability and police reform is paramount in ensuring the safety and rights of citizens within the country’s political landscape.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
