Joaquim Sive, the new head of Mozambique’s police, advocates for dialogue over force in managing protests. He expressed concern over recent clashes, which have claimed over 300 lives. Sive emphasized the need for police to engage with the community and employ non-lethal methods in crowd control. His statements align with those of the Justice Minister, addressing the problematic use of live ammunition by police.
Joaquim Sive, the recently appointed general commander of the Mozambican police force (PRM), emphasized the importance of dialogue over force in managing protests. During a speech to graduates at the police science academy (Acipol) near Maputo, he expressed concern over the ongoing clashes between demonstrators and police that began last October, originally sparked by allegations of election fraud and escalating into protests addressing the rising cost of living.
The violent confrontations have resulted in over 300 fatalities, primarily caused by police gunfire. In light of this, Sive urged the police to adopt “balanced measures,” prioritizing mediation and dialogue to diffuse conflict. He stated that police officers should act as facilitators, fostering consensus and engaging with citizens to strengthen community security.
Further, Sive challenged police graduates to exemplify integrity, respect, and empathy in their duties. He acknowledged the significant challenge of combating crime while ensuring public safety, underscoring that every citizen deserves a safe environment, which police must strive to uphold.
Sive’s statements align with those of Justice Minister Mateus Saize, who remarked that the deployment of live ammunition in crowd control is inappropriate. He advised utilizing non-lethal methods such as rubber bullets and tear gas instead. Despite this guidance, the use of live ammunition has been a troubling regularity, particularly among the Rapid Intervention Unit (UIR), Mozambique’s riot police.
In conclusion, General Commander Joaquim Sive has called for a paradigm shift within the Mozambican police towards dialogue and mediation, especially amidst escalating protests. With a death toll exceeding 300 from confrontations, Sive’s directive highlights the urgent need for police to engage constructively with citizens and adhere to non-lethal crowd control measures. Ultimately, the effectiveness of this approach will hinge on the integrity and empathy exercised by law enforcement officers in their daily responsibilities.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
